The Rio Games mark the first time the United States has had athletes representing them in the group rhythmic gymnastics all-around at any Olympic Games since Atlanta in 1996. In that instance, Team USA was granted the right to compete simply by merit of being the host country. The qualifications for the group all-around competition take place Saturday.
Olympics 2016: Time and TV schedule for rhythmic gymnastics group all-around qualification
If the United States manages to win a medal in rhythmic gymnastics, it will be the first one in history.
Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Jeanna Kelley has been covering the Falcons for The Falcoholic since 2011 and the NFL for SB Nation since 2015.
Alisa Kano, Natalie McGiffert, Monica Rokhman, Kiana Eide and Kristen Shaldybin are the American gymnasts who will compete in the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around qualifications and try to earn a spot in the finals. The alternate is Jennifer Rokhman, the twin sister of Monica Rokhman. The finals will take place Sunday, on the final day of the Rio Games.
If this group somehow manages to win any medal, it would be the first-ever rhythmic gymnastics medal for the United States. Even in the individual rhythmic gymnastics all-around, the best finish by any American athlete has been 10th, a mark established by Valerie Zimring in 1996.
All times Eastern
Group rhythmic gymnastics events for Saturday, August 20
Rhythmic Gymnastics: Group all-around qualifications, rotation 1
Time: 9 a.m.
TV: USA (9 a.m., live)
Rhythmic Gymnastics: Group all-around qualifications, rotation 2
Time: 11:40 a.m.
TV: USA (2 p.m., tape delay)
See More:
