The rhythmic gymnastics group all-around qualifications begin Saturday at 9 a.m. ET, and for the first time since 1996, the United States has athletes competing in the team all-around qualifications.
2016 Olympic rhythmic gymnastics live stream: How to watch group qualification online
This is the first time since 1996 that Team USA has had athletes compete in the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around event.
Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
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Alisa Kano, Natalie McGiffert, Monica Rokhman, Kiana Eide and Kristen Shaldybin are the five gymnasts who will represent Team USA in the team all-around qualifiers. Jennifer Rokhman, the twin sister of Monica Rokhman, is the group’s alternate.
For the team all-around competition, Team USA’s representatives are the first American athletes to represent the U.S. in rhythmic gymnastics in any Olympics since the Atlanta Games in 1996. That group only secured an Olympic bid by virtue of representing the host country. No other American athletes have ever earned the right to represent the United States in this event in any Olympics in history.
Team USA finished 13th at the 2015 world championship, qualifying them for the Rio Games as the highest-placing group from a country outside of Europe or Asia.
All times Eastern
Rhythmic gymnastics group all-around events for Saturday, August 20
9 a.m. - Group rhythmic gymnastics qualifications
11:40 a.m. - Group rhythmic gymnastics qualifications continue
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