2012 Olympic Gymnastics: Ranking Team USA's Most Exciting Athletes to Watch

Every four years gymnastics is one of the most popular sports in the Olympic Games because of the sports artistic appeal and breathtaking skills that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Team finals are typically more popular because people are rooting for their specific countries. Team medals are a better display of overall dominance from a country.

Team finals may be over and the American women may have won the team gold medal, but it's not time to stop watching gymnastics just yet.

The following nine American gymnasts will be competing in the all-around and individual event finals:

Men: Jake Dalton, floor exercise; Sam Mikulak, vault; Jonathan Horton, high bar; Danell Leyva, all-around, high bar; and John Orozco, all-around.

Women: McKayla Maroney, vault; Gabby Douglas, all-around, beam, uneven bars; Aly Raisman- all-around, floor exercise, beam; and Jordyn Wieber, floor exercise.

Here's a look at the five most exciting gymnasts to watch in the event finals, starting at five and working our way down to the most exciting gymnast.

5. Jake Dalton, Floor

Jake Dalton may not be one of the most recognized gymnasts on the men's squad, but he proved strong during the men's team finals.

He is a very consistent performer and this shows on floor, where he has a difficult and powerful routine. 

Dalton may not be a top contender for gold because of the likes of Japan's Kohei Uchimura and China's Zou Kai, but he is definitely a medal contender after tying for fourth in preliminaries.

It is always a treat to watch the floor routines too, because they last for about 90 seconds, which is much longer than the other routines.

It's also fun to watch the "Team Jake" posse supporting him.

4. Aly Raisman, All-Around, Floor, Balance Beam

Of course Aly Raisman is the gymnast to watch after she finished the first American in the all-around. All eyes are going to be on her after she won the slot that was considered Jordyn Wieber's.

Raisman got this far for a reason. 

Rasiman has a stunning floor routine known for its athleticism and consistency, and she also has some thrilling moves on the beam.

If you ever get tired of watching Raisman, you can shift your focus to her parents. As shown in this video, her parents have quite the reaction to her routines.

3. McKayla Maroney, Vault

McKayla Maroney would more than likely be higher on this list if the vault took longer than 12 seconds.

This 12-second sprint, which is considered a marathon, is an excruciating and exciting event. It is the sole reason Maroney is in London.

She consistently hits the Amanar vault, which is considered the most dangerous and difficult vault in women's gymnastics. The other Americans can hit this vault too, but Maroney gets more air than anyone else.

Her vault really is breathtaking; make sure to not look away, not even for a second or you will miss it all.

2. Gabby Douglas, All-Around, Uneven Bars, Beam

There's no question that Gabby Douglas is one of the most thrilling gymnasts to watch.

Her high-risk and high-reward gymnastics combined with her huge smile and fabulous sense of humor make any routine she competes in a treat to watch.

One of the biggest worries about Douglas is her consistency, especially on beam, and it is always a nail-biter to see if she will stay on the apparatus or not.

Uneven bars is by far her best event, even though she didn't do amazing in it during prelims and team finals. The height she gets on her release moves is what gave her the nickname of 'The Flying Squirrel.'

And of course she is one of the top contenders for all-around gold, so it is important to keep an eye on her. Don't stop watching after her routines are complete, as she always seems to have a good time. 

When she received the automatic bid to London after trials, she did the Dougie as a victory dance. Maybe if she wins a gold, she'll do another fun jig.

1. Danell Leyva, All-Around, High Bar

It might be surprising that the top gymnast to watch is a male, but Dannell Leyva deserves the title.

It is impossible to remove your eyes from the screen while observing his routines as every powerful tumbling pass is more captivating than the last. 

His high bar routine is breathtaking as he performs intense release moves which leave you on the edge of your seat because you're worried he'll fall to the ground.

Leyva is a star in the all-around with the potential to medal. He treats the event like a marathon and inserts intense passion in all of his routines.

His stepdad, who serves as his coach, will also be present during the all-around finals, and that tag team is a thrill to watch. Leyva's stepfather seemingly has more passion than Leyva himself, as he is the loudest person in the arena and always gives Leyva a huge hug when he finishes.