August 5, 2016, a day the whole world is looking forward to, the start of the 2016 summer Olympic games in Rio. I for one am extremely excited for this year’s games. I have always been a big fan of the Olympic Games, especially gymnastics since I used to be a gymnast. Every since Carley Patterson won the all-around gold medal in 2004, and Nastia Lukin in 2008, I have found myself eager to watch every second of the gymnastic meets during the Olympics. The 2012 games were some of my favorite because there were big names on the women’s team that I had recognized. The same goes for the 2016 team. For those of you who have not kept up with the Olympic trials, here is a little bit about each athlete.
Aly Raisman
This is a name that you probably recognize. This is Aly’s second Olympic appearance. She was on the Olympic team back in 2012 and was one of the two U.S. gymnasts to complete for the all-around. Not only was she captain of the team in the 2012 London games, she was also just voted by her team to be captain for the 2016 games in Rio. She is 22 years old and from Needham, Massachusetts. In 2012 she became the most decorated gymnast with three medals -- she won gold medals in team all-around and floor exercise, and a bronze medal on balance beam. Aly has always been one of my favorite gymnasts, even though she finished third in the Olympic trials, I truly believe she is one to watch for this year.
Gabby Douglas
The all-around Olympic gold medalist for the 2012 games is back again, along with teammate Aly Raisman. Gabby Douglas is 20 years old and from Los Angeles, California. In the 2012 games, she won two gold medals, individual all-around and team. Her Olympic trials were not as what was expected from the all-around gold medalist, but she never fails to impress. She has an impressive resume of awards in her gymnastics career, and surely will put up a fight to defend her title of all-around Olympic gold medalist.
Simone Biles
At only 19 years old, Simone Biles has been named one of the greatest gymnasts to ever compete. Coming from Spring, Texas, Simone has one of the most impressive resumes a gymnast can have. She is a four-time U.S. all-around champion, 2013-2016. In 2016 she became the U.S. champion for all-around, vault, balance beam and floor exercise. She is also a three-time world champion. Biles is definitely the one to beat this year.
Madison Kocian
19 years old and from Dallas, Texas, Madison Kocian comes from one of the most well-known gyms, WOGA, the gym that trained Olympic all-around gold medalists Carley Patterson and Nastia Liukin. In 2015 she won gold in the World Championship for team and uneven bars, where she tied. In 2014 she was also on the gold-winning U.S. World’s team. Kocian is well known for her impeccable skills on the uneven bars, and will likely be the event when the team leans on her to bring home the gold.
Laurie Hernandez
At 16 years old, Laurie is the youngest member of this year's Olympic team. She is from Old Bridge, New Jersey and began her career in 2005. She does not have any World or U.S. championship experience, but does have several gold medals for the 2016 P&G Championships in all-around, uneven bars, balance beam and bars (tied). Her key event is the floor exercise, which she will surely be depended on to bring home a medal, along with teammate Aly Raisman.
This year’s team is stacked full of several champions with impressively long resumes full of gold medals, a team that is sure to take home the team gold medal this year in Rio. Just like the 2012 team, this team is one to beat. So be sure to watch each girl represent Team USA this year at the Olympics, it will surely be an exciting competition to watch.
