China Edges US for Womens Gymnastics Gold

The United States Olympic Gymnasts knew they had their work cut out for them in the team finals against China, Romania, Russia, Japan, Australia, France and Brazil, but they were favored to place in the top two – which they did. And while everyone was hoping for an upset and a Gold medal for the US women, it was not to be. China was too strong and the US women were unable to put up their best team due to injuries.

Left to right: Bridget Sloan, Alicia Sacramone, Samantha Peszek, Chellsie Memmel, Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson – US Womens Gymnastics team takes Silver.

The US women should still be so proud. A silver medal is a great accomplishment and there are still more medals to be had. The showdown I am really looking forward to is the Womens All Around final – Powerhouse Shawn Johnson vs. Artistic Gymnastics personified Nastia Liukin. The media has hyped Shawn Johnson to an incredible level, while Nastia just keeps focused, working hard, and quietly getting better and better with each passing day. Personally I feel that Nastia is the more complete gymnast and the true description of an Olympic All Around champion, however, I will be so happy for either one of them if they grab the gold.

While NBC did not show anything other than the US and China last night, I have to say the most captivating routine I saw was Jiang Yuyuan’s floor routine. She absolutely showed that routine off! She smiled, she flirted with the crowd (in a theatrical way), and genuinely looked like she was having fun. Her choreography fit her to a tee and she played it up for all it was worth. Here is a video from earlier this year:

I am so looking forward to the All Around finals and the US women should be too – there is a lot of hardware still up for grabs and they can do it!