Olympic gymnastics preview in Everett

What happens inside Everett’s Comcast Arena this weekend
might be replayed during this summer’s Olympic games.
Many of the world’s top gymnasts will polish their twists
and landings, hoping it leads to gold medals in London.

Fourteen nations have sent athletes to the Pacific Rim
Gymnastics Championships.

A strong U.S. men’s team, led by former world team member
Chris Brooks, and 2011 NCAA champion Sam Mikulak, will
compete against equally strong squads from China and
Japan.

American women Jordyn Wieber and Gabrielle Douglas are the
favorites in this meet.

People who choose the U.S. Olympic team will be watching
the competition intently.

Shannon Miller, Olympic champ and NBC television
commentator told me, “The selection committee is looking
at how these athletes are showing at each competition.
Are they prepared for London?”

Miller says some of the gymnasts performed well in 2008,
but took time off for school or careers. Now it’s time to
get back in top form.

“If they’re trying a new skill, they want to get it out
now, get it out in March. You don’t want to be trying a
new routine in June, right before the Olympics.”

One athlete to keep your eyes on is Katelyn Ohashi, of
Bellevue. Her gymnastics career began at age three.
She’s honed her skills in gymnastic arenas from Missouri
to Texas, and South Africa. This is the first time
extended family will see her perform in person.

Ohashi is the reigning U.S. Junior all-around champ.
Because she’s just 14-years-old, Ohashi is not eligible
for this Olympic squad. Her dream is to compete for the
U.S.A. four years from now in Rio de Janiero.

Snohomish County has rolled out the red carpet for this
event with coaching, judging and educational clinics to go
along with the competition, which starts Friday at Comcast
Arena in Everett.