Rio 2016: My Current U.S. Olympic Team

My latest post is up on Full Twist: http://fulltwist.net/catching-jordan-chiles-usa/ It was a very fun interview!

Once she competes the upgrades she mentions in the interview, Jordan's skill level will be on par with the top gymnasts in the world. It's incredible for a 13-year-old to be performing the skills she does . . . she will definitely be one to watch this year, and in 2017, when she becomes a senior.

It's amazing to think that it's only three years until 2017, and only two years until the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. It doesn't feel like London was so long ago. We're now two years removed from the 2012 Visa Championships, where Jordyn Wieber defended her senior national title. I really hope she comes back to the sport this year, I've missed her gymnastics so much.

Two years out from Rio, I've put together who I currently think will make the U.S. Olympic team and the events they will compete in the three-up, three-count team final format:

1. Laurie Hernandez
VT, UB, BB, FX

2. Bailie Key
VT, BB, FX

3. McKayla Maroney
VT

4. Amelia Hundley
UB, FX

5. Norah Flatley
UB, BB

Alternates: Nadia Cho, Nia Dennis, and Sydney Johnson-Scharpf

Team USA in 2014

My new post, "The D-Scores of the U.S. National Team," is now on Full Twist. You can view it here: http://fulltwist.net/17517/

I'm always looking forward to the next competition in gymnastics. It's now less than two months until the Secret U.S. Classic, one of the most exciting meets of the year for me. Classics is the beginning of the summer season for our American gymnasts, and it will be held August 2nd. The next U.S.  meet is the 2014 P&G Championships, which will be held August 21-24.

This summer there will be added excitement with the return of Gabby Douglas. I think 2013 lacked a little in the excitement department, so Gabby's comeback is sure to make 2014 quite memorable!

August is probably the busiest month of the year for me, and 2014 will be no exception. I'm already planning to do reports for Full Twist about podium training for Classics and P&Gs, as I did last year. It's pleasant to think about my future posts during this dry spell after the European Championships, which were held several weeks ago.

Go Team USA!