First round of women's gymnastics Olympic Finals

SPRING, Texas - Simone Biles of Spring, was the odds-on favorite to make the USA women’s gymnastic team, but she struggled the first night of the Olympic trials. Competing Friday evening in San Jose, California, many of the gymnasts struggled with the various apparatus and the jitters. They’ll have an opportunity to redeem themselves on Sunday when a second round will determine who makes the US Olympic team.

The top all-around finisher after two days of competition will automatically qualify for Rio. The other four will be selected based on skill level and scores in order to build the strongest team that will vie for the Olympic team title. Albeit the final scores weigh heavily in the selection of the team, but the U.S. National Team Coordinator, Marta Karolyi, will also be looking for the gymnasts that can best handle the stress.

Gymnasts not only compete for medals in individual events which include the vault, balance beam, uneven parallel bars, and a floor exercise, they can win a medal for the team’s overall performance. The best team will consist of gymnasts that are specialists in specific events, to ensure the strength of the team.

At the end of the first round of the finals, Simone Biles leads by a full point, over Laurie Hernandez, despite her problems. Being touted as the best woman gymnast in the history of gymnastics, she's a given for one of the five slots.

Laurie Hernandez was the bright spot in the competition. Performing consistently well in each event, and nailing the floor routine with a stunning performance.This dynamic athlete will probably make the US team, and they will love her in Rio! See her exciting floor routine in the video

Aly Raisman, gold medalist at the 2012 London Olympics, will more than likely make the team too. Aly Raisman won team gold, and the gold medal for the floor exercise at the last Olympics. Her experience will help the team effort.

Gabby Douglas was also on the 2012 Olympic team, winning gold for the team competition and the gold medal for the prestiguous All-Around title. Unfortunately, a disappointing first round finds Douglas in seventh place, and could have cost her a trip to Rio. A clean second round would help her chances.

After an evening of missteps and bobbles on the beam, the entire field redeemed themselves with wonderfully choreographed and perfectly executed floor routines. See Simone Biles’ floor routine in video

Hopefully the jet lag and jitters will have passed on Sunday, and everyone will perform at a personal best. The second round of the finals will air again on NBC (Ch. 2) at 8:30 p.m. ET/7:30 CT.

Results after round 1:

• Simone Biles 61.85
• Laurie Hernandez 60.85
• Ali Raisman 59.95
• MyKayla Skinner 59.25
• Ragan Smith 58.7
• Madison Kocian 58.6
• Gabby Douglas 58.55

Ashton Locklear didn’t compete in the floor or vault, as she is essentially battling Madison Kocian to be the team’s uneven bars specialist. The pair tied for the best score of the night in that event.

See related link from the U.S. Championships:

U.S. Gymnastics Championships

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