Kyla Ross

While not the highest-profile member of the powerful U.S. team, Ross could be vital to holding off China and Russia in London with her seemingly effortless routines on the uneven bars and the balance beam. Amazingly fluid and efficient in her performances, Ross’ strength is technical excellence and an ease of motion that differs from the high-energy drama of U.S. Olympic trials winner Gabby Douglas and the power of defending all-around world champion Jordyn Wieber. Ross, a two-time junior champion, placed second to Wieber in the all-around at the Pacific Rim championships in March in her first meet as a senior, and took gold in the beam while contributing to the Americans' win in the team competition at that meet. She tied for first on the bars and finished fifth in the all-around at the U.S. trials. Ross has been friends with fellow U.S. team member McKayla Maroney since early childhood, with the two fulfilling a promise from elementary school to make the Olympic team together. Ross started doing gymnastics at age 3 when her parents got her involved in the sport as an outlet for her excessive energy. Though perhaps the least likely member of the five-woman U.S. team to generate headlines, Ross is a threat to medal due to her steadiness and technical proficiency.