I was never interested in women's gymnastics. I'm still not. However, my wife and her sister's are die-hard women's gymnastic fans. They know everything including the history of the sport. I actually find it funny that this is their favorite sport and what they are interested in.
When people think of gymnastics, they think of rich, white, blonde girls. You don't think of people with darker skin. You don't think of the name Hernandez. Gymnastics is not the sport you think of when you talk diversity.
My wife and her sister said something interesting. They talked how this might be the most diverse US gymnastics team in history. I don't know if it's true. I haven't done the research. However, I am inclined to believe it.
It doesn't matter exactly if it is true or not. What is true, is this team comes during a time when racial tension and questions about diversity have encompassed all of our lives. These women have made the Olympic team not because the color of their skin, but because of their talent and if their skill fits the team's need (I'm looking at you Gabby Douglas). This team begs you to ask if things like affirmative action are still necessary or if we have transgressed past being a racist country.
That can be a discussion for another time. Right now, let's honor these women and talk about their diverse background.
Simone Biles - 19 year old Simone Biles is being called "the GOAT". She is African-American and was born in Ohio.
Aly Raisman - Aly Raisman is of Jewish decent. She made her second Olympic team in a row.
Laurie Hernandez - Laurie who did absolutely amazing on her floor routine during tryouts is of Hispanic decent.
Madison Kocian - Madison is a white female. She will most likely be used for the bars.
Gabby Douglas - Gabby is also African-American. She is a fan favorite who peaks under pressure.
The alternates are MyKayla Skinner and Ragan Smith, who are white, and Ashton Locklear who is Native American.
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