An all-star Women Gymnastics team will represent the United States in the Olympics, celebrated in Brazil’s most popular location Rio de Janeiro this year. Three-time world champion Simone Biles is the most decorated U.S. gymnast, and she will have her Olympic debut in Rio 2016.

Gabrielle Douglas and Aly Raisman won gold medals at London 2012, joining the few U.S. athletes to enter Olympic teams more than once. Gabrielle Douglas was the first to win gold medals in all-around and team classifications, while also being the first black gymnast to win an individual Olympic gold medal. She is aiming for her third Olympic gold medal and her fifth gold medal altogether.

For Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas, the Gymnastics World Championships were not only a success, but also the perfect warm up for Rio 2016. Image Credit: People
For Simone Biles and Gabrielle Douglas, the Gymnastics World Championships were not only a success but also the perfect warm up for Rio 2016. Image Credit: People

Mattel could not resist Douglas’ achievements and announced a ‘Shero’ Barbie in her honor. Shero Dolls are made to inspire girls to break boundaries, just like their heroines. 

Team U.S. for Women Gymnastics 

For many, Simone Biles is the best female gymnast ever. In only three years, she has won 10 world championship medals, exceeding any U.S. athlete in history. Her fans want her to take all five gold medals, which correspond to team, all-around, balance beam, floor, and vault. According to TeamUsa.org, Biles has a hard time at uneven bars, which is why she does not have a gold medal in that particular category.

20-year-old Gabrielle was chosen over Ashton Locklear, something that many argue as Martha Karolyi’s hardest decisions. Perhaps it was because Douglas can excel at various disciplines.

Even if Gabrielle Douglas has stated she does not feel as sharp as she did in London, coach Karolyi said: “I feel like if we put Gabby in regimented training, with daily planning and daily assignments, we will see improvement – just like we did last year.”

There’s also young star Laurie Hernandez. With only 16 years old, she debuted first on balance beam and second on vault in the Jesolo Trophy competition in Italy. She can perform well in four out of five events, and many expect her to shine in the upcoming Olympic games. On the other hand, Aly Raisman is the team’s veteran. With 22 years of age, she has earned two golds, one silver, and one bronze. 

Last but not least, there’s Madison Kocian. She won the world title on uneven bars in 2015, although it resulted in a tie of four participants getting the gold medal. Kocian is the only member of Team USA to be considered a specialist, but she can also perform adequately in the other disciplines.  Madison Kocian also has a team gold medal from the 2014 world championship, completing Team USA with all gold medalists.

Ashton Locklear was chosen as a replacement. Locklear is 18 years old, and she was chosen as a substitute due to her recent back problems. Besides, coach Karolyi preferred the leading team to be comprised of gymnasts that were able to perform well in all events. Locklear just competed in two events in her latest competition, making the Team USA’s bench just as talented.

Source: WCNC