Sports Nut

Flying Biles, Leaping Laurie, and Kocian in Motion

The best photos from the U.S. women’s gymnastics Olympic trials.

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Simone Biles warms up on the uneven bars during Day 2 of the 2016 U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Olympic Trials at SAP Center on July 10, 2016 in San Jose, California.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

This weekend in San Jose, California, 14 young women twisted, twirled, flew, and occasionally fell off the balance beam in a bid to make the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. Here are the five best still photos from the Olympic trials, one each of team members Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian, and Aly Raisman.

Biles, who has won individual gold at three straight world championships, is the overwhelming favorite to take the title in Rio. Here she is suspended in the air upside-down during her floor routine. She appears to be smiling.

Simone Biles competes in the floor exercise during Day 2 of the 2016 U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Olympic Trials at SAP Center on July 10, 2016 in San Jose, California.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The 16-year-old Hernandez goes airborne during her floor exercise. Extra points for being able to see the bottom of your foot from this angle.

Laurie Hernandez competes in the floor exercise during Day 2 of the 2016 U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Olympic Trials at SAP Center on July 10, 2016 in San Jose, California.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Douglas, the reigning Olympic all-around gold medalist, leaps on the beam. What you can’t see from this photo is that she’s about 10 feet off the ground.

Gabby Douglas competes on the balance beam during Day 2 of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Gymnastics Team Trials at SAP Center on July 10, 2016 in San Jose, California.

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

At 22, Raisman is the oldest gymnast on the U.S. squad. If this picture is any indication, the captain of the 2012 Olympic team hasn’t lost a step.

Aly Raisman competes on the balance beam during Day 2 of the 2016 U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Olympic Trials at SAP Center on July 10, 2016 in San Jose, California.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Kocian is a specialist on the uneven bars, but this leap off the balance beam made for the weekend’s best picture.

Madison Kocian competes on the balance beam during Day 2 of the 2016 U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Olympic Trials at SAP Center on July 10, 2016 in San Jose, California.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images