Today in our Best of 2016 series, it's time to give props to a couple of athletes who showed up under high pressure when it mattered most.

3. Laurie Hernandez's beam at Olympic Trials

While Hernandez had been proving herself throughout the year to be a top contender for Rio, she was coming in with little international experience and needed to nail every high-pressure performance to solidify her spot. She was a superstar at the U.S. Olympic Trials, and under the greatest pressure of all -- as the last competitor of the night on beam -- she showed up with a truly stunning routine. She won over the hearts of America, and most importantly, the trust of the selection committee.

2. Sanne Wevers' golden beam routine in Rio

Wevers has always been incredible on beam with her unique combinations and elegant style. However, the Dutch gymnast was not the favorite to win gold on the event in Rio. She performed the routine of a lifetime, and after a waver from Simone Biles, Wevers' rock-solid routine earned her a spot on top of the podium.

1. Kohei Uchimura's high bar routine in Olympic AA final

Uchimura was trailing Ukraine's Oleg Verniaiev by nearly a point entering the final rotation in the Rio all-around final. The Japanese gymnast's chances of a second Olympic all-around title were very much in jeopardy, but Uchimura never goes down without a fight. He performed a high bar routine for the ages -- nailing every release move and sticking the dismount cold. He wanted that title more than anything, and he came in clutch. Uchimura finished with a total of 92.365, just ahead of Verniaiev's 92.266.


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