US Women's Gymnastics Olympic Team 2012: Fun Fast Facts on Each Athlete

Women's gymnastics is one of the more popular sports in the gymnastics, especially in the U.S. In fact, it is one of the few sports where most of the athletes are still in high school.

The Olympics are set to begin Friday with the Opening Ceremonies, as millions of people around the world eagerly anticipate the two-week spectacle.

Prior to and during the Olympics, multiple writers will offer opinions and predictions on multiple sports and athletes, voicing who they think will succeed and take home gold.

However, this isn't one of those articles.

Here's a look at some fun and interesting facts about each member of the U.S. women's gymnastics team.

Jordyn Wieber

Birthdate: July 12, 1995 (age 16)

Hometown: DeWitt, Mich.

Favorite Subject: Science

Eating Out: Olive Garden

Guilty Pleasure: Pedicures

Most Interesting Tweet: Apparently Wieber recently set a record for herself in a drug test.

"

Just finished drug testing in 10 minutes. Ladies and gentlemen, put that in the record books!

— Jordyn Wieber (@jordyn_wieber) July 6, 2012"

Interesting Facts:

• Became one of six U.S. gymnasts to win the world all-around title, joining the likes of Shannon Miller and Shawn Johnson.
• Won the U.S. junior title at the age of 12.
• Is giving up her college eligibility to turn pro.
• Brother Ryan is going to attend Central Michigan on a football scholarship.

Sources: Dailyhouse.com, Gymnastics Zone, JordynWieber.com

Gabrielle Douglas

Birthdate: Dec. 31, 1995 (age 16)

Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va.

Nickname: The Flying Squirrel

TV Show: Vampire Diaries

Hobbies: Knitting, Reading

Favorite Book: Twilight

Foods: Italian, Mexican

Most Interesting Tweet: Going through all the tweets on her page, it was all pretty calm, but I did notice the amount of family support she gets throughout social media, so here's a post from her brother, who has no problem admitting he's a gymnastics fan.

"

2weeks & 3 days till we leave to London to see @gabrielledoug lil sis can't wait soo hype

— John Douglas (@dougieFfresh25) July 9, 2012"

Interesting Facts:

• Father Timothy is in the military and served in Afghanistan.
• Has been home-schooled the last five years.

Sources: Gymnastics Zone

Kyla Ross

Birthdate: Oct. 24, 1996 (age 15)

Hometown: Aliso Viejo, Calif.

Favorite TV Show: Modern Family

Favorite Actor: Steve Carrell

Favorite Actress: Sandra Bullock

Drink: Green Tea Smoothie

Food: Salmon

Favorite Gymnast: Shannon Miller

Most Interesting Tweet: The moment when you realize you're a star bigger than you first thought.

"

Can't believe the flight attendant announced who I was to the entire plane and let me board first!! #crazy

— Kyla Ross (@kyla_ross96) July 2, 2012"

Interesting Facts:

• Was born in Honolulu, Hawaii.
• Her father Jason spent six years in the minor leagues with the Atlanta Braves, batting .247 with 59 home runs and 243 RBI.

Sources: Team USA, Gym-Style

McKayla Maroney

Birthdate: Dec. 9, 1995 (age 16)

Hometown: Long Beach, Calif.

Favorite Foods: Sushi, Strawberries, Mangos

Favorite Subject: English

Music Artists: Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Drake, Miriah Carey, Taylor Swift, Chris Brown, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and Beyonce.

Most Interesting Tweet: Could Maroney do an interview in a British accent? She may be working on it.

"

Working on our British accents here in London!! My top three favorite words.. Cheerio, Cheers, & Brilliant!! Watch out we're getting good!!

— McKayla Maroney (@McKaylaMaroney) July 22, 2012"

Interesting Fact:

• Father Mike was a quarterback for Purdue University. 

Sources: USA Gymnastics

Alexandra Raisman

Birthdate: May 25, 1994 (age 18)

Hometown: Needham, Mass.

Favorite Subject: Science

Favorite Musician: Taylor Swift

Favorite Movies: The Notebook, Last Song, Mean Girls

Most Interesting Tweet: I guess Ridiculousness is more wide-spread than I first thought.

"

Dying of laughter watching this MTV show I've never heard of called ridiculousness with @gabrielledoug and @AnnaLi_88 SO WIERD

— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) July 14, 2012"

Interesting Facts:

• Began participating in gymnastics in "Mommy and Me" classes at 18 months old.
• Completed her senior year of high school online, so she could train for the Olympics.

Sources: Team USA