Women's Qualification Lineup

The women's lineup for qualifications was posted today.

Vault:  Raisman, Douglas, Wieber, Maroney

As expected. Scores should build throughout the lineup. I like Aly in the lead off position because of her focus, however, most likely her score will be dropped as long as the other 3 do what they do normally. Hoping that Gabby can do an excellent Amanar like at Trials and score 16+, and that McKayla's toe holds up okay! This is where the US has it's advantage over other countries and it is definitely the team's best event. 

Uneven bars:  Raisman, Wieber, Ross, Douglas

I was debating in my head whether they would put up McKayla or Aly for bars (this was before they announced they were using 3 AA athletes and 2 specialists, as well as before hearing about McKayla's injury), however, I think that Aly will definitely stay on the bars and hit to the best of her ability. She is so focused and so solid. Bars may not be her best event, but she will pull through with a decent performance, certainly the best performance she is capable of giving. Hopefully the other 3 will bring in amazing scores and hers will be able to be dropped. Staying on is key, as well as starting off the US with a strong performance on bars.

Balance beam: Ross, Douglas, Wieber, Raisman

This was interesting to me, and I have discussed it with a few people. Kyla is definitely capable of bringing in one of the highest scores on beam if she hits her routine, so I was kind of confused as to why she was the lead off and not Aly. But then again, Kyla also can have that calmness about her .. not to the degree that Aly does, but I think enough to start the US off strongly on beam and if she hits, make everyone believe that they can do the same. Also, Aly can post monster scores on beam as well (current National Champ on beam), so I can see her as the anchor. I am praying that Gabby's beam wobbles are non existent tomorrow. I noticed in PT some changes in Jordyn's beam in her arial cartwheel connected to side somi. It looked like she did not attempt to connect them and Geddert had said that they were going to re-evaluate some of those difficult connections after Trials so I'm interested to see what her beam will look like in this competition.

Floor exercise: Ross, Douglas, Wieber, Raisman

I will miss McKayla's floor a lot in this lineup. I actually really like Kyla's as well, I know a lot of people do not, but I don't mind it. However, Kyla's D score is too low to contend with the kind of routines that we will be seeing in London UNLESS she throws new skills in, which I have heard rumors of. I guess we will see. Either way, she will be a great lead off for the US on this event, her landings on the floor, if not stuck, are almost immaculate and she will definitely give a solid performance. I'm interested to see how Gabby's routine is received by the international judges, and I'm hoping that it is well received. I love her routine and I hope that it gives the US a big score. And as for Jordyn and Aly I'm just excited to watch their routines. I love both routines so much, for different reasons. I love the way Jordyn's music is so exciting and so perfectly choreographed and how she gets into it so much. I believe Aly is the best tumbler in the world, and I love the way her music builds the momentum in her exercise. 

I'm so excited for tomorrow!!