Now, the waiting is hardest part for some women gymnasts

By Alisha Ricardi

PHILADELPHIA -- Just before the second and final day of the women's U.S. Olympic trials began Sunday, the men's Beijing squad was announced. Those athletes who wrapped up competition Saturday now know their fates and can begin training for the Games.


The women (minus Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin, who were named to the team Sunday after finishing first and second, respectively, in the weighted results of the trials and last month's nationals) won't know where they stand until the end of the final selection camp July 16-20, about two weeks before the Olympics begin.

But that doesn't mean the Olympic team isn't already taking shape.


Marta Karoyli, wife of gymnastics coaching legend Bela, is the team coordinator (read: mastermind) of the U.S. women's Olympic squad. Her opinion carries much weight to the sport in this country, and what she thinks about the young women who competed in these trials speaks volumes about who will likely make the team.

Now, the waiting is hardest part for some women gymnasts....