Tokyo Olympic women's artistic gymnastics kicks off this week with the qualification rounds deciding which four-person squads will compete in the team final and which gymnasts - two per country - will contend for medals in the all-around and event finals. Though the Games will look different this year - venues in Tokyo and in surrounding areas affected by a state of emergency will not feature any spectators, and confirmed athlete COVID-19 cases are beginning to turn up - the flipping and twisting and stuck landings are set to continue.
As a former gymnast and fan, I'm holding my breath in anticipation (and also simultaneously knocking on wood). I've recruited the help of 2008 Olympian Alicia Sacramone Quinn, former gymnast and current Rutgers University gymnastics head coach Umme Salim-Beasley, and International Gymnastics Federation judge Emily Chan to put together predictions for who will compete in the team, all-around, and event finals. Keep reading for our takes on the projected contenders.
To learn more about Team USA, visit TeamUSA.org. The Tokyo Olympics begin July 23 on NBC.
0 Commentaires