Mattie Larson finished an impressive seventh place in the all-around at the 2008 US Olympic Trials, but had to withdraw from the final selection camp because of a leg injury, and didn't make the Olympic team. Now she's back and better than ever, with a second place finish at the 2010 US nationals.
Senior Debut:
Larson's first season as a senior gymnast was 2008, and she burst onto the scene, placing second in the all-around at the Gymnix International in Montreal and fourth all-around at the Friendship International Exchange. At the Friendship Exchange, she earned the silver on floor behind Alicia Sacramone -- former world champion on that event.
Larson qualified to the US nationals and placed seventh, then earned the same ranking at the Olympic Trials. She was named to the 2008 Olympic Training Squad, but had to withdraw from contention for the Olympic team because of injury.
Back in 2010:
After struggling with injury in 2009, Larson returned to competition in 2010, winning the US Classic -- the qualifier to US nationals. She also excelled at nationals a few weeks later, placing second all-around, third on bars, and winning floor. She was later named to the 2010 world team, which placed second.
Cool Skills:
Larson does a beautiful double layout and triple full on floor, a double-twisting Yurchenko on vault, and a front aerial to two feet and standing Arabian on beam.
A Great Save:
Larson showed split-second thinking during this fall on a Shaposhnikova at the 2008 nationals (at :45). A scary peel-off became a safe landing on her back.
Personal Info:
Born May 20, 1992 in Los Angeles, CA, Mattie is the daughter of Eric and Gail Larson. Mattie trains at All Olympia Gymnastics Center in Los Angeles and is coached by Galina Marinova and Arthur Akopyan.
Gymnastics Results:
International:
- 2010 World Championships: 2nd team
- 2009 World Cup, Montreal, Canada: 1st beam; 1st floor
- 2008 Friendship International Exchange: 4th all-around; 2nd floor
- 2008 Gymnix International: 1st team; 2nd all-around; 3rd bars
- 2007 Junior Pan American Championships: 1st team; 1st all-around; 2nd bars; 1st floor
- 2010 US Nationals: 2nd all-around; 3rd bars; 1st floor
- 2008 US Olympic Trials: 7th all-around; 6th floor
- 2008 Visa Championships (US Nationals): 7th all-around; 3rd floor
