As an American, the Olympics are always an exciting time for our country. Our nation has been known to produce some of the best athletes of all time, and these Olympic games haven't proven to be any different. From swimming champions like Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky, to beach volleyball legends Kerri Walsh Jennings and April Ross, American athletes definitely have a history of breaking records and taking home the gold.
Tuesday afternoon in Rio, the women's gymnastics team fulfilled that American destiny by winning gold in the team final. The team, comprised of former Olympic champions Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman, three-time world champion Simone Biles, and newcomers Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian, have deemed themselves, "The Final Five," and are already being named the greatest American team in the history of women's gymnastics. With talent like this, it's no surprise that women's gymnastics is one of the most-watched Olympic events. Here's 12 reasons why people love it so much.
1. The gymnasts become like your children.
When they win, you cry. When they fall, you cry.
2. The competition is fierce.
People may say that the American team has it in the bag, but when Russia's Aliya Mustafina is around you can never be too sure.
3. Doing the routines with them becomes a hobby.
A double layout punch front off the couch? No problem.
4. There will always be drama.
It's all fun and games until someone steps out of bounds.
5. Watching the parents.
Lynn and Rick Raisman are all of us.
6. The sass.
No one throws a wink and pony tail flick like Laurie Hernandez.
7. That feeling you get when someone sticks a landing.
God bless you, Madison Kocian.
8. Seeing all of the different country's leotards.
Nothing says champion like a custom leo.
9. Two words: Simone Biles.
From her stuck landings to her wolf turns on beam, it's no surprise that she's been named the greatest gymnast of all time.
10. Seeing a well-deserving gymnast finally get redemption.
No one can forget the look on Aly Raisman's face when she won silver in the All-Around in Rio after being robbed at the London games.
11. History is constantly being made.
Like in 1996 when Kerri Strug brought the world to its feet with her one-footed landing.
12. When they win gold, we all win gold.
Athletes, like the Final Five and the Magnificent Seven, make it so easy to be proud of being an American. Our gymnasts are constantly striving for excellence, and it shows every time they take home the gold. The Olympics are all about world class athletes, but these young women are constantly raising the bar pretty high for the rest of the world. Sure, not everyone can do a double layout with a twist on four inches of wood, but we all can cheer these girls on while they're doing it right?
