US Olympic Gymnastics Trials 2012: 5 Most Exciting Events You Can't Miss

The U.S. Olympic Gymnastic Trials are can't-miss from start to finish.

Presenting unreal flexibility, balance, body control and strength, these gymnasts are beyond complete athletes. If anything, all are versatile enough to compete in a number of events en route to making Team USA.

Floor exercises and a variety of bar events make up just the tip of the iceberg regarding gymnastics. One exciting event we'll look at is the men's rings.

Needing to possess a supreme amount of core strength, avoiding the pull of gravity and performing a number of smooth techniques is required to impress the judges. Along with the rings, though, let's get started and look at the five most exciting events during the trials.

The Vault

Athletes to Watch

Men: Jake Dalton (three-time U.S. vault champion), Steven Legendre (2010 U.S. vault champion)

Women: Alicia Sacramone (2012 U.S. vault champion), McKayla Maroney (2011 vault world champion)

One of the few events that both men and women compete in, the vault is an extremely quick yet risky event.

Running full speed then bounding from a spring board to the vault has a dangerous and exciting element combination. However, when performed well, the vault gives way to awe-inspiring movement through the air.

The quick transition of body position from running to springing upward, and then to the fast routine of techniques, is most impressive. Along the same lines as a long-jumper, those competing in the vault must have calculated steps when running in order to ensure solid foot placement before making the leap.

Women's Balance Beam

Athletes to Watch

Nastia Liukin (2008 Olympic balance beam silver medalist), Aly Raisman (2012 Visa Championships balance beam gold medalist)

It's hard enough to sometimes maintain balance when walking, running and jumping.

The women's balance beam just makes everything else seem so easy. One of the more fascinating events, it's impressive to see the gymnasts perform quick movements in such a small amount of space.

Lest we forget how well the athlete must remain balanced and in control of their body at all times. One minor slip can throw off the rhythm of an entire routine, so focus is arguably more important here than in any other event.

When a routine is performed well, however, it's amazing to see how athletic a person can be with barely any room to work with.

Men's Pommel Horse

Athletes to Watch

Alex Naddour (two-time U.S. pommel horse champion), Glen Ishino (2012 U.S. pommel horse runner-up)

The men's pommel horse almost defies the laws of physics.

Continuous movement is key—otherwise the routine comes to an abrupt end—and possessing elite upper-body strength certainly helps. Obviously a strong core is needed to remain fluid throughout, but the hands and arms are virtually in total control.

The pommel horse is also a great challenge of stamina and breathing. Similar to running, a gymnast on the horse must have great lung capacity and know how to keep a breathing rhythm. If not, then the arms can get tired faster and the routine may end sooner than wanted.

Men's Rings

Athletes to Watch

Jonathan Horton (2012 U.S. rings champion), Brandon Wynn (2012 U.S. rings runner-up)

Another men's event that focuses on leg control and upper-body strength, the rings also force a gymnast to have excellent shoulder flexion as well.

Considering how much potential pressure can be put on the shoulders, hand strength to begin each technique allows for multiple smooth movements in the routine. Once again, a very strong core lets the athlete move at will and change nicely from one technique to the next.

And in similar fashion to the high bar and pommel horse, one hand-slip could quickly end the routine.

Women's Uneven Bars

Athletes to Watch

Nastia Liukin (2008 Olympic uneven bars silver medalist), Gabby Douglas (2012 U.S. uneven bars champion)

The women's uneven bars are one of the best events gymnastics has to offer.

Using a variety of techniques throughout a routine, the best aspect of this event is how well a gymnast moves when changing heights. Continuous movement and a fluid exchange between hands leads to a more polished routine, whereas one hand-slip and it's all over.

Possessing the vision to adjust one's body based on which bar is held also gives the athlete a major advantage. That way, utilizing each height to its potential makes for an astounding performance.

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