US Women's Gymnastic Olympic Team 2012: Depth Will Be Key in Pursuit of Gold

The US Women's Gymnastic team won the silver medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, but in London, they have a powerful attribute that could lead to them unseating the Chinese atop on the world's biggest stage. 

Depth. 

Plenty of it. 

Though Gabby Douglas and Jordyn Wieber are arguably the two best female gymnasts in the world, they'll be backed by a grouping of teammates certainly capable of contributing to an all-around team win. 

However, the leadership provided by Wieber and Douglas will be integral. 

Wieber finished first in the individual all-around at the 2011 World Championships. Douglas is an elite gymnast in her own right and actually outperformed Wieber by winning the Olympic trials.

Both Wieber and Douglas will be favorites to medal in the individual all-around competition.

Beyond those two, teammates Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney and youngster Kyla Ross will play vital roles.

Raisman is known for her consistency, but isn't a dynamo in any specific event. She placed third behind Douglas and Wieber at the Olympic trials and was forth in the all-around competition at the 2011 World Championships.

Maroney is the reigning vault world champion, someone who should win gold in her specialty competition in London.

Ross, though only 15 years old, is emerging as one of the more consistent gymnasts in the World. She placed second overall in the 2012 Pacific Rim Gymnastic Championships, and won the balance beam competition with a score of 15.375.

It's easy to see why the US Women's gymnastic team is a favorite to win its first all-around gold at the Olympics since 1996. 

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