US Women's Gymnastic Olympic Team 2012: Why USA Will Capitalize on 2011 Success

Women's gymnastics is scheduled to begin Sunday, and there's a lot to be excited about.

The U.S. women have one of the strongest teams in the Olympics, with multiple gymnasts expected to compete for individual medals.

In 2011, many of the gymnasts had a lot of success as Jordyn Wieber won the gold in the all-around and bronze in the beam. McKayla Maroney also took home the gold in the vault and Aly Raisman took bronze in the floor exercise.

In addition to that, the women also took home the team title, beating Russia by more than four points.

The women had more successes throughout the year, and have had a lot of success this year as well.

Although there's more to gymnastics than the world championships, I think it was a perfect way for the U.S. to vault their way (no pun intended) into the Olympics.

There's no doubt they are the favorites to win the team title, with multiple individuals one of the favorites to win specific events.

Here's a look at four reasons why I think the U.S. will capitalize on their success from 2011.

Keep in mind this is only my opinion, and I know there is more to gymnastics than the U.S. team.

Let me know where you think I'm wrong or right.

4. Not Too Many Weaknesses

When you have gymnasts who are considered one of the best in the world at certain events, it's certainly to your advantage.

In the vault, it's McKayla Maroney. She's the favorite to win individual gold, and the rest of the U.S. team is also pretty good at it.

On the floor exercise, Gabrielle Douglas and Jordyn Wieber are at the top of their game, and I expect that they will sweep gold in silver in the individual event.

The beam isn't expected to net the U.S. any individual medals, but as a team, they're consistent and can put up some good scores.

Uneven bars is the only weakness for the U.S. team, but Douglas should be able to pick up a little slack in that event.

3. The Emergence of Gabrielle Douglas

At this time last year, not many people knew who Douglas was.

Boy, what a difference a year makes.

At the Visa Championships, Douglas finished second behind defending world champion Jordyn Wieber, won the uneven bars (the weakest event for the U.S.) and took third in the floor exercise.

Heading into the Olympics, Douglas has proven she is to be considered one of the best all-around gymnasts in the world, especially after beating Wieber at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

The Flying Squirrel has captured the imagination of many fans, as some now consider her the favorite to win the all-around title.

One thing is for sure, having Douglas on the team is what puts the U.S. over the top in terms of the team competition.

Without her, I think the U.S. is a silver-medal winning team.

2. They've Been There Before

Although they're still young, the five representatives for the U.S. have been competing at a high level on the world stage for at least a year.

The nerves should subside pretty early in the competition, and these girls will be able to get down to business.

Each knows what it takes to be successful on an international level, and they understand what they have to do to succeed.

1. Three-Headed Monster

The Miami Heat have LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.

The U.S. women's gymnastics team have their own version of the big three with Wieber, Douglas and Raisman.

These three gymnasts have the ability to sweep the all-around medals, although some might disagree.

They're performing at a very high level and hitting their marks, which is something you like to see right before Olympic competition.

Now, I'm not saying that the rest of the world doesn't have gymnasts who are doing the same. I just don't see any other country having three gymnasts who are expected to do as well as these three.