12 Athletes To Remember From 2012

As Ashlee and I work to finish our final posts of 2012, I thought it would be appropriate to dedicate one to some of the most memorable athletes of this year. One of the best things about being a fan, is getting to watch your favorite athletes grow not only as gymnasts, but as people. It's inspiring to see so many kids my age use their talent and dedication to make their dreams come true. As fans, we take the time to celebrate their accomplishments, milestones, and of course every amazing routine. So why not take a moment to celebrate who they are as people? They inspire us, make us want to work harder, and of course show us that dreams really can come true. Not only did 2012 showcase several incredible routines/moments, but it also brought out the best in every athlete. This post is dedicated to them.

Jordyn Wieber

Bet you didn't see this one coming! OBVIOUSLY, you all know how much Ashlee and I love Jordyn. We've been following her gymnastics career for almost 8 years now, and it's honestly been an amazing journey. We became fans in 2006, when we realized she lived only 20 minutes away from us. She was only 10 years old (so were we) when we watched her compete at the Level 10 JO Nationals for the very first time. We instantly took a liking to her gymnastics and have been avid followers ever since. One of my favorite things about Jordyn, is her ability to pick herself up after disappointment. When she makes a mistake or something doesn't go the way she planned, she doesn't give up. She keeps fighting and that's why she's a champion in my eyes. She didn't have to win the All Around Olympic gold medal, to prove that she's the best. Jordyn has been places and done things that most people could only dream about. I choose to remember her for the determination and class she displays in times of both tears AND triumph. 

Gabby Douglas

A post dedicated to the best athletes of 2012, wouldn't be complete without including Gabby Douglas. Gabby has worked SO hard to get where she is today and deserves everything she got this year at the Olympics. Gabby showed the world that anything is possible. In 2011, she was the timid newcomer, with jittery routines and an un-certain future. A lot of people doubted her, and her spot on the 2012 Olympic team was in question after a disastrous performance at the 2011 National Championships. But just a few months later, we saw a different Gabby Douglas. She came back in 2012, and attacked her competitions with a level of confidence that we rarely see. She dominated the 2012 gymnastics season, and ended up winning 2 gold medals at the 2012 Olympics. Talk about determination. Gabby let her haters be her motivators and to me, that's pretty incredible!

Aly Raisman 

Aly Raisman has always sort of been the underdog. Equally as talented as her teammates, she never really got her time to shine...until London. Aly is one of the strongest gymnasts I've ever seen and so I wasn't surprised when she left London as the most decorated US gymnast. I honestly couldn't be happier for her, because I know how badly she wanted this. Aly deserves success and I'm glad she finally got it. I'll never forget the moment when she put her Olympic gold medal around her coach Mihai's neck. That was truly a beautiful moment. 

Nastia Liukin

As much as people love to hate her, Nastia is a true champion. I don't care that she didn't make the 2012 Olympic team. I don't care that she wasn't the Nastia we saw in 2008. I don't care if you think her comeback was "un-successful". Nastia has captivated people from around the world with her stunning flexibility and gorgeous toe point for over a decade. She's an Olympic Champion and an advocate of what hard work looks like. Despite people doubting her comeback, Nastia didn't give up. She pushed past everything, and ended her gymnastics career on a high note. I get chills every time I watch her standing ovation from Trials. 

Briley Casanova

I wanted to include Briley Casanova in this section because I think she is a fantastic role model for people of all ages. Briley has showed the world that you don't have to win an Olympic medal to be happy and successful. She is one of the most gracious, cheerful, and positive people I have ever met and I honestly think more people should strive to have the same outlook on life that she does. Happiness comes in many different forms and I admire the fact that Briley goes after what she wants with the same passion and determination that all the Olympians do. Briley has the heart of champion and that's why she deserves all the recognition in the world. 

Aliya Mustafina 

What I love the most about Aliya, is the passion she puts behind everything she does. You can see it in her gymnastics, and in her smile. While some describe Aliya as a "diva" I think the term passionate describes her much better. She wants to win, naturally (who doesn't !). She always has a fire burning inside of her and that is pretty inspiring. I also think Aliya displays great sportsmanship. She's typically the first one to congratulate her competitors and give words of encouragement to her teammates. 

Rebecca Bross

I've always been a huge fan of Rebecca. She's extremely talented and unfortunately, injuries got the best of her. I'm hoping that Rebecca will continue with gymnastics in the future because she really is incredible! She's not the type of person who is going to throw in the towel after a bad performance or meet. Something I think young gymnasts can take away from her gymnastics is, you have to keep pushing on. Even if things don't seem like their going to work out. Everything happens for a reason, and I think Rebecca's time is still to come! 

McKayla Maroney

McKayla Maroney has the girl next door personality, a flawless amanar vault, and an Olympic gold medal. What more could a girl ask for?! I can't help but smile when I listen to McKayla in interviews. She has such a charming personality that I think a lot of young girls can relate too. To them, she see seems like a real person. Not some robotic celebrity that only regurgitates the things they THINK you want to hear in interviews. McKayla has a refreshing personality and I think it's cool that's she's able to laugh off silly mistakes or rumors.

Catalina Ponor

Perhaps one of the greatest beam/floor workers of all time, Catalina Ponor proves that powerful gymnastics, can also be beautiful gymnastics. After winning 3 gold medals at the 2004 Olympics, Catalina retired from competitive gymnastics. (She competed briefly in 2005 and 2007). After 4 years without stepping foot in a gym, she decided to make a comeback to elite gymnastics. Within months, Catalina was in top shape and winning medals at both the World and National championships. She left London with 2 more medals (a silver and a bronze) Getting in top shape was not easy. But perseverance and loads of hard work is what made her the champion she is today. For 25 year old Catalina Ponor, impossible is just a word. 

Alicia Sacramone 

The most decorated US gymnast in World Championship history, Alicia Sacramone has an outspoken personality and a winning attitude. Alicia has always been considered the captain of team USA, and a "mother" to several of the up and coming gymnasts....a role that fits her all to well. Alicia has been around the block quite a few times and I think it's amazing that she's been able to use her experiences (both good and bad) to help fuel the next generation of stars. I like how honest and "real" she is in interviews and of course how sweet she is to her fans. Alicia's admirable quality's are things that cannot be taught, which is why she she is such a great role model for young girls!

Beth Tweddle

Imagine the pressure 27 year old, Beth Tweddle must have felt competing in her final Olympic event EVER. She's in front of a home crowd that so badly wants her to take home a medal, and she's knows in the back of her mind, that this is her only chance. After missing a shot at gold in the past 2 Olympics, 2012 was Beth's final chance at Olympic glory. Talk about pressure! Not only is Beth the greatest gymnast to come out of Great Britain, but she is arguably one of the greatest bar workers of all time. I was so proud of her for hitting a fantastic (not to mention extremely difficult ) routine when it counted and FINALLY getting that Olympic medal she deserved. Beth is a fantastic gymnast, so well spoken and full of pride in her country and teammates. I'm always going to remember her for that. 

Anna Li

Talk about a physically and mentally taxing gymnastics career! 24 year old, Anna Li may not be an Olympic Champion, but nontheless she has so much to be proud of. Anna competed at the elite level for 4 years (and was pretty much an unknown) before signing with UCLA and becoming an 8 time all-american. Upon completion of her college career, Anna decided to pursue elite gymnastics once more. In 2011, she was named alternate to the World Championship team and was selected to replace teammate Alicia Sacramone after she went down with an injury. Unfornately, Anna was not able to compete due to an abdominal injury but did get to accept the team gold medal on Alicia's behalf. Anna was also named alternate to the 2012 Olympic team but suffered a neck injury that left her in a neck brace for weeks after the games. But through all the ups and downs of her career, one thing has remained a constant for Anna, her determination to succeed at any level and continuous love for the sport. I couldn't have said it better than Anna herself- "If you really believe in something, and are willing to give it your all, then you've got nothing to lose. I've learned that I want to live my life to the fullest and since gymnastics has been such a large portion of my life, I want to finish out my gymnastics career without any regrets! All you have to do is believe and ANYTHING is possible."

Written by: Brittany