Road to Rio: Women's Gymnastics

There are only 16 days until the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil begin! I have been obsessed with the Olympics since childhood with women's gymnastics being my favorite event. This year's team is the clear favorite for gold. Let's meet the team!

//1// Laurie Hernandez

Age: 16

Hometown: Old Bridge, NJ

Specialty: All Around

At 16, Laurie is the youngest member of the newly minted Olympic gymnastics team. She was the 2015 Junior National Champion and makes her first Olympic team in her first year as a Senior Elite. Laurie is strong on all events. Expect for her to compete on at least three (if not all four) events in the team finals at the Olympic Games. I also expect Laurie to be stiff competition to earn one of two spots in the Olympic All Around. She may even qualify for event finals.

//2// Alexandra "Aly" Raisman

Age: 22

Hometown: Needham, MA

Specialty: Beam, Vault, Floor

Aly should be a familiar face as she has been a face in elite gymnastics for a decade. She was a member the gold medal team at the 2012 London Games. She is the reigning Olympic champion on the floor exercise. On top of golds in the team and floor competitions, she has a Olympic bronze on the balance beam. Aly will most likely compete on floor, vault, and beam during the team finals, and will fight for one of two spots to compete in the all around competition. Like Laurie, we may also see Aly in event finals.

//3// Simone Biles

Age: 19

Hometown: Spring, TX

Specialty: All Around

Simone is the most decorated gymnast history. As a four time US Champion and three time World Champion it's no surprise that she won the Olympic Trials and automatically made the team. Simone will most likely be seen on all four events for the team final. If she is left off one, it will be bars. Simone is a shoe-in for the All Around competition, and is the clear favorite to win. Don't be surprised if you also see her qualify for all four even finals.

//4// Gabby Douglas

Age: 20

Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA

Specialty: Bars

Gabby is the reigning Olympic Champion, but don't expect to see her in the all around this year. Gabby can be strong on all events, but this go around she will most likely be used on bars. She may compete on more events during the qualifying around. She was also a member of the gold medal team in 2012.

//5// Madison Kocian

Age: 19

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Specialty: Bars

Madison was solely but on this team as a bars specialist. However, she is a consistent gymnast on all events so she will be helping Team USA in the qualifying round. You can almost guarantee you'll see Madison on the uneven bar event finals, as she is the reigning world champion on the event.

 Make sure to check out Team USA's alternate athletes:

MyKayla Skinner, Reagan Smith, and Ashton Locklear.