Douglas Secures American Threepeat



2012 Champion Gabby Douglas joins Nastia Liukin (2008), Carly Patterson (2004) and Mary Lou Retton (1984) as the only American women to win the Olympic all around crown.  


Iordache Competes



In the lead-up to London, it looked unlikely that Romania's best gymnast, Larisa Iordache, would be able to compete all four events, suffering from fasciitis in her foot.  While she didn't have a perfect day, Iordache was able to close out her first Olympics with a top-ten finish in the women's all around.
 

Komova's Fight



With a reputation for letting up when things aren't going her way, Komova's shaky start on vault easily could have turned into a dismal day for the young Russian.  Yet after nailing her difficult bar routine, Komova closed out with brilliant performances on balance beam and floor exercise.  It wasn't enough for gold, but will certainly be remembered as a fine Olympic comeback.
 

Mustafina's Comeback



It's been a long 15 months for Russia's Aliya Mustafina, who tore her ACL vaulting at last year's European Championships.  The best gymnast in the world at the time, Mustafina clawed her way back to compete at these Olympics, but many doubted if she could contend with the best.  With a team silver and all around bronze now to her name, it appears Mustafina's struggle was well worth it.
 

Teammates Being There For Each Other



One thing the Americans and Russians have in common is strong team bonds.  USA's captain Aly Raisman remained a steadying force for Gabby Douglas, despite the fact that they were now competing against each other in the all around.  Likewise, Mustafina was there to comfort Komova when she fell short of the top spot.
 

Whelan's Emotional Routines



The competition ended for Britain's Hannah Whelan when she crashed a double-twisting Yurchenko to her hands and knees in the third rotation, earning a devastating score of zero (the judges ruled that her feet did not hit the mat first).  

Whelan carried on, hitting her final uneven bars routine to roars from the crowd.  In tears as she walked off the podium, it was a powerful end to Whelan's home Olympics.


Gabby's Best Beam Work



The relief on the face of coach Liang Chow after Douglas nailed a third-straight beam routine said it all.  The event has haunted his pupil all year, and when it mattered most, Douglas delivered a clutch 15.5 routine en route to Olympic gold.  In apparatus finals, she will even have a chance to win gold on her "weak" event.

For a recap and results of the Women's All Around Final, click HERE.