Rio 2016: US gymnastic team having so much fun in Rio trainer has had to tell them to be more 'serious'
With a dominating qualifying performance making them the favourite to take gold, the team has plenty to be happy about
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.They may be under the most intense pressure they will likely ever face in their professional careers, but the US gymnastic team are still having a great time at the 2016 Olympics.
Such a great time, in fact, that their trainer has had to instruct the squad rapidly becoming more popular than Taylor Swift's to be more “serious” on competition days.
Reports of the five-member team laughing and enjoying themselves at Rio have been trickling through social media channels since they arrived at the Olympic village. Their close relationship and Twitter updates show them appearing relaxed and having fun, with Team USA member Laurie Hernandez writing: “I’m always laughing when I’m with these girls.”
According to a report in The New York Times, the women’s national team coordinator had to approach the team captain Aly Raisman to keep squad giggling to a minimum: “Today is the Olympics. You have to be more serious.”
Their relaxed demeanour may in part be due to Team USA's overwhelming success after having qualified almost 10 points ahead of China at the weekend. It may also be due to having Simone Biles on the team.
The diminutive 19-year-old and three-time world all-around champion will compete today in the women's team all-around. Biles is the favourite to take gold in Rio after becoming the leading qualifier in three individual events.
Raisman and fellow team member Gabby Douglas won their first Olympic golds in 2012.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments