Aly Raisman: What Her Success so Far Means for Team USA

Aly Raisman, the captain of Team USA's women's gymnastics' squad, stole the show on Day 2 of the Olympics as she received the top score for all-around competition qualifying.

American favorite Jordyn Wieber failed to qualify for the all-around final, while Raisman and teammate Gabby Douglas will compete for the gold medal.

With Wieber out of the picture, Raisman now has an easier path to the title.

Raisman, the oldest member of the team at 18, finished second-highest in qualifying with a score of 60.391.

She won three medals during the United States' last two international meets, and a gold medal in the Olympics would help solidify greatness in the minds of gymnastics fans.

Although Wieber was expected to bring home the gold for Team USA in the all-around competition, don't be surprised if Raisman leaves home with it instead.

For the United States, in a way gives us an "unsung hero" to root for.

Even though the "favorite" won't have the opportunity to bring home a gold medal for individual performance, the "veteran" will try to win it all.

Program director Martha Karolyi spoke with SI.com about Raisman:

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"I'm very sad to see [Wieber not qualify]. I'm very happy the other girls made it. Aly Raisman, she's the hardest working person you'll find. Finally she gets the payoff for the hard work."

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Raisman, who told SI.com that she was "stunned" upon learning that she, and not Wieber, would be competing for the all-around gold medal.

On an individual level, it's a feat that shouldn't be overshadowed by anything else. Raisman had the routine of her life as she nailed every tumble and flip cleanly.

For Wieber, it's a bitter end to a lifelong goal, a goal that was dashed in just a matter of minutes.

But for Raisman, the opportunity to escape from behind Wieber's shadow is right in front of her. All of the talk surrounding Wieber's absence in the final gives Raisman the opportunity to fly under the radar for Team USA.

She might not have been the favorite to win the gold when the Games began, but all eyes will be on her once the all-around competition rolls around.