What helped Biles before the balance beam routine were encouraging words from national team coordinator Martha Karolyi, who was in the stands. A score of 11.700 reflected her flop show. “I’m still rejoicing. I’m not ashamed at all”. “I have no regrets”.
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The mini-drama during the qualifications was the battle between Douglas and Raisman for the second spot.
The 19-year-old gymnast, along with teammate Aly Raisman, advanced to the finals for women’s all-around.
Douglas was attempting to become the first repeat all-around victor in almost 50 years.
The U.S. team brings an intimidating resume: It has won every major worldwide title (World Championship or Olympics) since 2011-that’s three worlds (2011, 2014, 2015) and one Games.
And what really makes this painful is that it wasn’t even close.
Usbek Oksana Chusovitina, 41, qualified for the vault final in her seventh Games, 24 years after winning Olympic team gold in Barcelona 1992.
“I just really wanted to do a good bar set and really swing and just flow and stick the dismount – the polishing touch”, she said.
Mao landed out of bounds following her first tumbling run, put a hand down and then rolled on to her knee after the second tumbling combination and botched her landing on the third.
The world will find out on Tuesday, Aug. 9 at 3 p.m. ET when the US compete for a second consecutive Olympic team title. She cemented herself as one to beat in this portion with a score of 16.050. “I know our decision was very much questioned”. Aly Raisman is the captain of the USA team, somehow still in her prime at 22.
“It just comes out of my personality”, she said. Boorman has been her coach for more than a decade but words of encouragement from Karolyi are especially meaningful.
“I’d love to defend my title but I’m honored that people have gravitated to my story”, she said. Her return was a good sign though, and ultimately helped Britain secure the fourth place spot in qualifying. “What is the most from the girl for someone else is not enough for me”.
733), where she finished ahead of London Olympics gold medallist Raisman (15.
Before the Rio Olympics even started, it is a known fact that it will be a sure gold for the US for the team and all-around final. “I wish that they would change it but I don’t think that they ever will”, Raisman said.
“That’s the rules and you have to respect their decision, but it is heartbreaking”.
However there’s no reason to feel too bad for Douglas. Raisman previously won gold medals for both team and floor exercise, as well as a bronze medal for balance beam, at the 2012 Olympics in London. She’ll get another chance at a medal in uneven bars.
Fans are irate because Douglas was seen as putting on a mistake-free performance, whereas teammate Raisman was seen nearly falling during her exercise.
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“We just have to stay confident and do our routines like we normally do”, said Biles matter of factly, taking to Twitter to thank their team the morning after their Rio romp.
