align=center width=170>  Shawn Johnson Photo © Al Bello / Getty Images
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Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin were named to the US women's Olympic team tonight based on their performances at the Olympic Trials. The pair finished 1-2 in the all-around, earning guaranteed spots onto the team.
Johnson had another great competition -- hitting all her routines and winning by a comfortable margin (127.650 to Liukin's 125.850). Liukin had an up-and-down day, with breaks on bars and an out of bounds on floor. She said afterwards, "I'm not going to say any excuses or anything, I just was off today. I gained a lot of experience in this competition. I'm very happy to have walked away in the top two. It really is a dream come true."
Most impressive to me was Chellsie Memmel, who placed third and nailed every routine of the two-day meet. She ended on floor, sticking her last pass (double pike) cold. Even the selection committee (Martha Karolyi, Steve Rybacki and Kristie Phillips) gave her a standing ovation, as did most of the audience. I think she's a sure bet for the Olympic team.
The four other members of the Olympic team will be named by July 20, after a training camp. Ten women advanced to the final camp, and are being considered for the remaining spots: Jana Bieger, Chelsea Davis, Ivana Hong, Mattie Larson, Corrie Lothrop, Chellsie Memmel, Samantha Peszek, Alicia Sacramone, Bridget Sloan, and Shayla Worley.
Comments
I was disappointed that USAG didn’t just go ahead and name Alicia and Chellsie to the team last night along with Nastia and Shawn. I see no reason to make them wait and I can’t imagine any scenario (other than injury) that would preclude them from going to Bejing!
Hi Ali,
I agree, I wish they had named all four of them to the team to take some of the pressure off of them. Martha said in a press conference after that she likes to name the team as close to the date as possible, so I guess that is why she didn’t.
Amy
Shawn Johnson, Nastia Liukin, and Samantha Peszek are all strong gymnasts and I do respect them a lot. Also the did very well at the tials and I’m glad with all the girls that were selected for the Olympic Team.