USA Today via Reuters
Aug 15, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Simone Biles competes in the on floor exercise during senior P&G gymnastics championships at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 15, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Simone Biles competes in the on floor exercise during senior P&G gymnastics championships at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Team USA gymnastics has suffered a slight setback, as Kara Eaker tested positive for COVID-19. The gymnast was an alternate for Team USA. Another alternate, 17-year-old Leanne Wong was also placed under quarantine.
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With 2 alternates in quarantine, the team gold medal favorites Team USA had a lot of eyes on them. There was a lot of anxiety among one of the most closely watched teams at the games. Olympian Simone Biles leads them.
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Reuters
Jordan Chiles makes a kiss face towards Simone Biles as they pose for a photo after being named to the Olympic team after the final day of women’s competition in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for gymnastics in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S., June 27, 2021. Picture taken June 27, 2021. REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson
The team atmosphere seems positive?
In an interview with the Today show, former Olympic Gold medalist Nastia Liukin said she had spoken to Simone. ?It?s obviously such a tough situation. I think the thing that really helps team USA is actually her (Simone Biles), being that veteran, being that leader.
“Each and every time she’s gone out on that competition floor she has had to overcome different obstacles so, she really is helping lead those other girls.?
“It’s obviously such a tough situation.”@DrJohnTorres and Olympic gold medal gymnast @NastiaLiukin speak with @SavannahGuthrie about members of Team USA testing positive for COVID-19 ahead of the Summer Games. pic.twitter.com/Vw01ZJU6sv
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) July 20, 2021
Nastia Liukin confirms that the morale of Team USA and leaders like Simone Biles are always a plus point to have on their side. The team has also elected to stay in a hotel rather than stay at the Olympic village.
Team USA dominance in gymnastics
Simone Biles leads the world-dominant US women?s gymnastics team. This team looks to bag its third consecutive team gold at the Olympics. Team USA has won the team event for the last two Olympic games. They are the favorites to win it this year as well.?
Team USA is also the reigning World Team Champions; they have been dubbed the Final Five.
Reuters
Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles and Grace McCallum wave after being named the Olympic team at the U.S. Women’s Olympic Gymnastics trials in St Louis , Missouri, U.S. June 27, 2021. REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson REFILE – CORRECTING SPELLING OF SUNISA LEE
The starting six women on the U.S. gymnastics team are Simone Biles, Grace McCallum, Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee, Mykayla Skinner, and Jade Carey. The four alternates on the team are Leanne Wong, Kayla DiCello, Emma Malabuyo, and Kara Eaker.?
Two of the alternates, however, are now in quarantine, so they are left with Kayla DiCelo and Emma Malabuyo.?
Despite these setbacks and growing anxiety, it will be interesting to watch Team USA perform on the big stage. Only time will tell if they remain dominant.