The 2012 Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships at Everett’s Xfinity Arena were billed as the chance to see soon-to-be Olympians in one of their final competitions before the forthcoming London Games.
The March 16-18, 2012 event in Everett turned out to be exactly that.
Of the six American senior gymnasts competing in Everett four years ago — three women and three men — five were later named to the London-bound U.S. Olympic team, while the sixth was chosen as an alternate.
And the three senior women who were in Everett four years ago — Jordyn Wieber, Kyla Ross and Gabby Douglas — all received gold medals for winning the team competition at the London Games, along with teammates Aly Raisman and McKayla Malroney.
In Everett, Wieber placed first in all-around and floor exercise, Ross placed second in all-around and the uneven bars, first in balance beam and third in floor exercise, and Douglas finished first in bars.
For Douglas, who had a forgettable all-around effort in Everett, finishing 23rd after mishaps in vaulting and on the balance beam, things got a lot better in London. She ended up winning the Olympic gold medal in all-around to go with her gold in the team competition.
On the men’s side, Everett competitors Sam Mikulak and Jake Dalton were named to the Olympic team while Chris Brooks was an alternate. Ironically, Brooks easily had the best showing in Everett. He won the all-around title after coming from behind to edge Mikulak in a close finish, and also placed first in the rings and horizontal bar with a second place in the pommel horse. But a disappointing showing at the Olympic Trials kept him off the U.S. team in London.
None of the American men medaled at the London Games.
In rhythmic gymnastics, American Julie Zetlin placed first in all-around, rings and ball in Everett. She had previously been named to the U.S. Olympic team, but in London she placed 21st in qualifications and did not advance to the finals.
In trampoline, Americans Steven Gluckstein and Savannah Vinsant both competed in Everett and were the top U.S. placers, with Gluckstein placing second and Vinsant placing seventh. But in London Vinsant had the better showing, becoming the first American to reach the Olympic trampoline finals after qualifying seventh, and eventually placing sixth. Gluckstein was 16th in qualifying and did not advance.
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