Editorial: Roethlisberger's Take on Team USA

Inside Gymnastics magazine columnist John Roethlisberger, a three-time Olympian, shares his insight and perspective on hot topics in the sport in each issue of the magazine. Here, he shares his post-Olympic Trials thoughts on Team USA.

So much has happened in the last two months with USA Championships and Trials that I thought I better give you my take before the Games start in a couple days. Better late than never. As always the Trials process didn't disappoint. When it comes to the drama department, it had plenty.

At the beginning, the men seemed to be wide open except for Paul Hamm. Everyone did all they could to avoid saying he was a shoe-in. But let’s be honest, he was a shoe-in. So much so that he could break his hand after competing 5 1/2 events at Championships and still make the team. And the thing is, I didn’t hear one person complain. Certainly not me. He was that good and everyone knew it, especially the athletes. But what a rollercoaster. Amazing, at Championships. Devastating, his injury. Amazing, his comeback. And finally devastating, his withdrawal. Losing Paul really hurts this team. No one can sugar coat it. They can still go and win a medal, but Paul, in my opinion, was one of the two best gymnasts in the world. You don’t lose someone like that and just pick up where you left off. The guys can still do great things, but it’s going to be much harder.

What about the rest of the team? As with any selection there is always controversy. This was no exception. The team is talented no doubt. But they're also beat up. Justin Spring and Morgan Hamm were just getting back to full speed [Morgan Hamm has since had to retire due to injury. The men’s selection committee is working to identify a replacement] and Joey Hagerty appeared to have a sore shoulder at Championships.