Will an NCAA Gymnast Make the Olympic Team?

Current NCAA gymnast Courtney Kupets at the 2004 Olympics Photo © Chris McGrath / Getty Images

In the recent past, the NCAA and elite track were two very different paths in women's gymnastics. Most gymnasts finished their elite careers, went on to NCAA, then retired from the sport. Since 25-year-old Mohini Bhardwaj qualified to the 2004 Olympic team after completing her NCAA career, however, fans have begun to speculate if someone will "pull a Mo" again this year. With the ever-increasing difficulty being showcased in collegiate competition, it could happen.

I, for one, don't think that any of the current NCAA gymnasts have as good a shot at making the women's team as the current elites (see my Olympic team picks) -- simply because the demand of trying to do NCAA this season, then quickly shifting gears to the elite Code of Points, seems nearly impossible. Alicia Sacramone, a virtual lock for the Olympic team, decided not to compete for Brown University this year and instead focus solely on elite.

Other current NCAA competitors have made hints at elite comebacks though, and the leadership and competitive experience they could bring would be a huge asset to the U.S. Some top contenders are:

• Courtney Kupets (Georgia): Though Kupets has officially denied that she will try to make a run at Beijing, her bar routine could be a real benefit to the team. A 2004 Olympian, she's won the all-around title at the last two NCAA Championships.
  
• Ashley Postell (Utah): She's talked about trying to come back to elite for this year, and has really made a mark on the NCAA as an all-arounder that can be counted on to hit. She's been the runner-up to Kupets at the last two NCAAs, and was the World Champion on beam in 2002.
  
• Courtney McCool (Georgia): Though she's mentioned the 2008 Olympics in the past, the 2004 Olympian hasn't publicly discussed it in the past year. Though her skill level doesn't seem high enough at this point, her competitive return to uneven bars and skill upgrades on balance beam could mean that a future Olympics aren't out of the question.
  
• Melanie Sinclair (Florida): An underrated gymnast in 2004, Sinclair competed at Trials but didn't make the team. She has some big tricks on uneven bars and floor, and could add in some of her old elite skills to beef up her difficulty on all four events. She hasn't announced any intention to return to elite competition, though.

Now, tell us: Which current NCAA gymnast would you most like to see make an elite comeback in 2008 or 2012?

• Courtney Kupets
• Ashley Postell
• Courtney McCool
• Melanie Sinclair
• Another gymnast (Please leave a comment and tell us who!)

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