In our Best of 2016 series, we are celebrating the top moments of this exciting year. In this edition, we're commemorating the most impressive comebacks.

3. Madison Kocian returning from injury to win two Olympic medals

After coming back from several injuries throughout the past few years, Kocian found herself in a tough position early this year with a broken foot. She returned to camps and competitions slowly but surely, and she clinched a spot on the Rio Olympic team primarily for her bar routine. In Rio, Kocian's impeccable bars helped the United States win gold in the team final, and she also earned an individual silver medal in the bars final.

2. Aliya Mustafina coming back strong in Rio

Mustafina was plagued by several injuries in the last couple years following the London Games. She missed the World Championships in 2015 because of a back injury, but she continued to pursue Rio. At the end of March 2016, Mustafina was still suffering from intense back pain but managed to compete at the Russian Championships in April and at the European Championships in June. Her first all-around meet in over a year was at the Russian Cup. She proved herself enough to be named to Russia's Olympic team, and as a true Olympic veteran, Mustafina turned it on when it counted. She handled the pressure of the Rio stage with style and grace, solidifying her impressive comeback with several Olympic medals.

1. Ellie Downie returning to qualifications competition after scary floor fall

Downie showed pure bravery and heart after she took a scary fall on floor during qualifications for the Rio team final. After missing the punch on a tumbling pass, Downie landed on her neck and was unable to finish her routine. She was assessed and cleared to compete on the next event -- vault -- and she performed surprisingly well. Astonishingly, even without finishing her floor routine, she qualified to the all-around final and also was a key member of the Great Britain squad in the team final.