While analyzing the 2016 U.S. women's Olympic team named on Sunday, I've noticed interesting similarities to the 2012 London team. Of course, this team is unique and has a different dynamic, but each member can be compared to the gymnasts on last quad's team--not just in skill, but also progression.

Simone Biles as Jordyn Wieber

The Former World Champ and Favorite for Gold

Wieber came into the Olympics with all the accolades necessary to be considered a contender for Olympic gold. She won the world all-around title in 2011, the national all-around title a few weeks prior to the Trials, and showed tremendous consistency along the way.

In Biles' case, she is the reigning three-time world champion and four-time national champion, but you get the idea. Biles is surely the favorite for the all-around title and is the "one to beat," even though we all know that with Biles in the game, the fight for silver might actually be more exciting.

Laurie Hernandez as Kyla Ross

The New Senior Star

Stylistically, Hernandez and Ross aren't wildly similar--besides notable precision in form and finishes--but they both have a knack for the beam and shine on bars. Hernandez is a high-energy, expressive performer, while Ross was known more for her cool, calm and collected demeanor.

As a new senior in 2016, Hernandez proved she can handle the pressure of the senior stage both nationally and internationally. She made her senior debut at the City of Jesolo Trophy, and continued to perform outstandingly throughout the season. With faith as big as her personality, she's winning over hearts by the second.

Madison Kocian as McKayla Maroney

The Specialist

While there was speculation as to whether Martha would take a specialist to Rio, this has been a common trend in past Olympics. There was also much debate as to which bar specialist would be chosen--Kocian or 2016 U.S. bar champion Ashton Locklear.

Kocian is the reigning world champion on bars, and as a result of her ability to perform other events at a consistently high level over the last two competitions, she was chosen to fill the spot. But it is unlikely that she would perform any other event in Rio.

In 2012, Maroney provided an Amanar the U.S. simply could not leave at home, and Kocian owns a bar routine that will not only amp up USA's score on bars in the team final, but also has the potential to secure individual gold.



Naturally, the last two members are pretty easy to match up to 2012. They are the two returning Olympians--the veterans of this team who will bring important Olympic experience to the squad. They are the first women to make their Olympic debuts under Martha Karolyi and secure a repeat berth.

Gabby Douglas

The Fighter

Douglas is back and fighting for more Olympic glory. She is the first gymnast since Nadia Comaneci to win Olympic gold and return to a second Olympics. She will work to make improvements--most notably to her mental game--after a tough Olympic Trials, where she fell both days on beam and lacked her usual spark.

She is a much different gymnast than she was in 2012, and is facing more attention after past success. Douglas has spoken to improvements in her mental strength and overall maturity since London, as well as her ability to know the game and pace herself over the long competition.

Aly Raisman 2.0

The Rock

As the oldest member of the team endearingly known as "Mama Aly," Raisman is a leader with an outstanding ability to dial in top-notch performances. She put in unimaginable amounts of work to get herself back to Olympic form, and it paid off--she's even more polished, confident and mature than she was in 2012. Raisman was a team captain in 2012, and will have that role again in Rio. She is the defending gold medalist on floor and bronze medalist on beam, so she will look to leave London with more than a repeat team gold.

This team is not only capable, but expected, to bring home gold for the USA. At the 2015 World Championships, the team, which included four of the five Rio team members, won the title by more than five points. While the field includes other strong teams, the U.S. women are ready to take on any and all challenges.

These gymnasts are not looking to just earn the title; they are striving for perfection, and that mentality has historically produced golden results.





Related:
2016 U.S. Women's Olympic Gymnastics Team Named
Rio Reactions: Locker Room Dance Party with Simone, Aly, & Laurie
Rio Reactions: Interviews with the Olympians