US Olympic Gymnastics Team 2012: Women Have Talent and Focus to Secure Team Gold
The United States women have not won a gold medal in the gymnastics team all-around since 1996, but this elite squad has what it takes to break that streak.
In the qualifying round, the U.S. team led all countries with a total score of 181.863. Russia, China and Romania followed in the standings and will be tough competition in the finals, but the Americans showed off their depth in the opening round.
Jordyn Wieber, who was picked by many to win gold in the individual all-around competition, did not qualify for the individual finals despite finishing fourth overall. The Olympic rules only allow two competitors per country, and Wieber was bested by teammates Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman.
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It is an upset for Wieber, the 2011 world all-around champion, to not qualify for the finals. However, the team should be proud of the fact that there is simply too much talent for one team.
In addition, McKayla Maroney finished the vault event with the best score in the competition. Between her specialty and the three top Americans, few countries will be able to match this team in talent.
Unfortunately, talent alone does not always win an Olympic gold medal. Especially in a sport like gymnastics, one mistake can cost you and your team everything. The good news is that this group of girls know what they are doing.
In the 2011 World Championships in Tokyo, the U.S. won the gold with relative ease with nearly the same team. The London squad loses the experience of Alicia Sacramone, but gained more versatility with Kyla Ross.
This team has the experience necessary to win and should be able to retain the focus to compete with the whole world watching.
The key in the team finals will be Jordyn Wieber. The 16-year-old gymnast was obviously shaken by the results of the qualifying round, but she needs to regain her composure for the team to win on Tuesday.
Since the team competition now provides her with the best chance at taking home a gold medal, this is the time for the Michigan native to shine.
With talent, experience and a drive to win, the U.S. team is ready to secure the country's first team gold in 16 years.
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