Sunday night kicked off the beginning of the Olympics women's gymnastic competition with the qualifying for the team competition. The five girls that make up team USA were the focus of the night as they strutted out in their patriotic, twinkling leotards and dominated on every apparatus. Not only were the USA girls competing to qualify for the team competition, Gabby Douglas, Simone Biles and Ally Raisman were also vying for the two spots to compete in the all-around competition. As I sat on my couch watching the competition unfold before my eyes, there are a few things I could not help but think.
1. I'm happy for Ally Raisman.
After competing in the 2012 Olympic Games, and winning a gold in the tam and the floor exercise, as well as a bronze on the beam, people wondered if Ally Raisman would compete in another Olympic Games. After last night's performance, Ally qualified to compete, along with Simone Biles, for team USA in the all-around.
2. Why is Gabby Douglas there?
Obviously, Gabby Douglas is a fantastic gymnast. She did take the gold in the all-around in the last Olympics, but after coming in seventh in the Olympic trials some question why she still got picked to compete for a spot in the all around rather than Laurie Hernandez, who seemed to dazzle everyone last night.
3. Why couldn't we qualify three gymnasts for the all around?
At the end of the night, Simone Biles, Ally Raisman and Gabby Douglas took first, second and third respectively. This seems kind of unfair that even though Gabby Douglas came in third internationally, she still won't get a shot at competing in the all around final.
4. They must use a lot of hairsprays.
Seriuously, though! Their hair literally doesn't move.
5. Simone Biles is incredible!
Even under all the pressure and expectations put on here, Simone Biles seemed to make it look easy last night as she slayed the competition.
6. How do they manage to do flips on the beam?
I will always be amazed by this. Sometimes, I find it hard to even walk in a straight line, I don't get how they can make it look so easy as they do blind landings on the beam.
7. These girls are all basically younger than me.
Seriously, here I am sitting on the couch eating chips while these girls are Olympians. I guess it's time to pull my life together.
8. Can I become an Olympic gymnast?
I think we all know the answer to this: No.
9. Will the USA take home the gold again?
We will have to see if the USA can take the team gold gain. The finals take place on Tuesday, August 9. Make sure you don't miss it.