Beijing may be one of the most successful Olympics ever for US gymnastics. The American women are the reigning World Champions, and with stars such as Shawn Johnson, Chellsie Memmel, Nastia Liukin and Alicia Sacramone, the women should bring home a handful of Olympic medals.
On the men’s side, the US team improved an astonishing nine ranks (from 13th to 4th) between the last two World Championships, and could end up on the podium in Beijing. Unfortunately, the US men are without the reigning Olympic All-Around Champion Paul Hamm; he had to withdraw from the Olympic team due to an injured hand.
The Americans are less dominant in rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline, but that doesn’t make those events any less fun to watch. Rhythmics is as beautiful as it is difficult, and you won’t want to miss the high-flying acrobatics of the trampolinists.
About Olympic Gymnastics:
It’s one of the most popular Olympic sports for good reason: the gymnastics competition will feature incredible skills, feats of strength, balance and coordination, and near-perfect performances. Here’s more about the sport.- What Is Olympic Gymnastics?
- Olympic Rules & Scoring
- Olympic Gymnastics Schedule
- Up-to-Date Olympic Results
- Learn Gymnastics
- Your Road to the Olympic Team
The Athletes:
Gymnastics is full of great personalities – from the steely competitive concentration of Nastia Liukin, to the bubbly Shawn Johnson and the calm confidence of Chellsie Memmel. Find out more about the gymnasts leading the charge in Beijing, and catch up with the household names of the past: Mary Lou Retton, Olga Korbut, Nadia Comaneci, and many others.- The Best Americans
- The Top Contenders Worldwide
- Beijing Medal Predictions
- What Happened to Your Favorite Gymnasts of the Past?
Gymnastics Gallery:
Check out some amazing gymnastics shots showcasing flexibility, daring, incredible strength, and beautiful artistry.Olympic Gymnastics History:
Gymnastics has provided some of the most memorable moments in Olympic history (who can forget Mary Lou Retton winning the gold and Kerri Strug vaulting on an injured ankle?), and many controversial events too (such as Yang Tae-Young and Paul Hamm caught in the middle of a gold-medal debate).- An Illustrated History of Gymnastics
- Past Olympic Medalists
- The Greatest Moments in Olympic Gymnastics
- The Biggest Controversies in Olympic Gymnastics History
