Burning Questions for Conclusion of US Women's Gymnastics 2016 Olympic Trials

One of the most popular sports showcased at the Summer Olympics, the women's gymnastics events are always thrilling. The United States has risen as a serious force to be reckoned with and will be attempting to assemble another gold-medal team.

For those of us mere mortals who struggle to barely touch our toes, the gymnastic events are full of superhuman strength, finesse and flexibility. Underneath the glittery leotards, bows and makeup are some of the toughest athletes and fiercest competitors at the Games.

The trials began on Friday, and there were some surprises as reigning champion Gabby Douglas struggled on the beam, one of her strongest events. With only five spots available on the Olympic Team and several hungry, young rivals behind her, there is no room for error on Day 2. 

Read on as we take a look at some questions that will be answered as the finals conclude on Sunday.

Will Gabby Douglas Rebound on Day 2?

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

Gabby Douglas was the darling of the 2012 London Olympics. This time around, the pressure of her gold medal may be weighing on her. She struggled mightily on Day 1 of the trials and even fell on the balance beam, one of her strongest events.

In an interview with Nancy Armour of USA Today after the event, it was clear that she was discouraged but not giving up.

“I just want to show everyone that I’m really serious about this," Douglas said. "And that even though I know I make a lot of mistakes, that I can still be trusted. Don’t give up on me yet."

Unfortunately, this falter has not been just a one-off. She was fourth at the national championships two weeks ago and appears to be spiraling into a slump. Can she shake off the pressure and get back on the path to Olympic glory on Sunday?

Is Simone Biles a Lock for the Team?

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Simone Biles has been the model of consistency all year and has been a front-runner to lead the U.S. women's gymnastics team to Rio. Even with a few uncharacteristic hiccups in her performance on Friday, she still led the team with an overall score of 61.850.

She won the national title just two weeks ago and has been on a hot streak. On Friday night, there were a few sloppy errors, and she was visibly frustrated with herself. Gymnastics doesn't just take athleticism and finesse. It also takes a mental toughness, and she will have to prepare herself for the pressures she will face in the coming months if she does make the team as expected. 

She will head into Sunday's second day of competition as the front-runner and, barring anything unforeseen, should clinch a spot on the team.

Will a Rising Star Steal the Spotlight?

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

While there are several members of the decorated 2012 London Games team back to compete for a berth in the Rio Olympics, there are also some rising stars who will be trying to steal the spotlight from the veterans.

Laurie Hernandez just became eligible this year to compete in the Olympics and, at at a freshly-turned 16, will be the youngest member of the team if she makes it. Don't let her age fool you—she has shown extraordinary maturity beyond her years.

She stamped herself as a legitimate threat on Friday and currently sits in second behind the favorite, Simone Biles. 

Is Raisman Too Old?

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Gymnastics is a sport that favors the the young. While 22 is not old by most standards, in the sport of Gymnastics it is practically geriatric. Aly Raisman is the elder stateswoman of the hopeful team and is playfully referred to as "Grandma" by the group.

Though she is in the twilight of her competitive gymnastics career, her experience does give her a unique perspective should she make the Olympic team. After Friday's competition, she is sitting in third behind Biles and Hernandez and turned in what was a career-best performance on the uneven bars.

While she may not have age in her corner, she has proven she can perform on the world's biggest stage. That could make her an invaluable member of the team.

How Much Will the Final Scores Matter?

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

There are five spots up for grabs, and while the scores at the trials matter, they are not the defining factors in determining who makes the team.

The final decision, however, lies with the team coordinator Martha Karolyi. She knows these girls well and understands their strengths, weaknesses and what they can bring to the overall team. Gold medals are on her mind, and she will construct the team with the best overall winning chance.

As she told Joe Lago of Yahoo Sports, she also looks for the intangible factors like whether or not a girl can handle the intense pressure that comes from the Olympics.

"Even with some mistakes here and there, you look for the potential," Karolyi said. "You see what is good and what you were able to do in the past. Some girls would maybe freak out. But they handled it well. I was pleased with that."