If one word could describe the talent of the 12 gymnasts contending for the six spots on the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team, it would be “deep.”
The gymnasts vying for a spot on the 2004 Olympic team make up the most talented selection group from which the United States ever has drawn.
A deep squad may be good for the United States’ chances for a gold medal, but it means the competition to make the Olympic team for incoming UCLA freshman Tasha Schwikert and former Bruin Mohini Bhardwaj is that much more fierce.
Schwikert, who was part of the U.S. Olympic team in 2000, placed eighth at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Anaheim on June 27 with an all-around score of 74.125.
But all was not lost for the future Bruin. Though only the top two gymnasts at the trials, Courtney Kupets and Courtney McCool, received guaranteed spots on the Olympic team, Schwikert was invited to the Olympic training camp, where the remaining four gymnasts of the six-person Olympic team will be chosen.
Though it always was her dream to go to UCLA, Schwikert is focused on punching her ticket to Athens.
“I’m focused on this right now, but as soon as it’s over … I mean, I’ve wanted to be a Bruin for so long,” Schwikert said.
Though Schwikert’s return from a serious injury to dominate the gymnastics landscape is a triumphant tale, the true Cinderella story in Anaheim belonged to Bhardwaj, who graduated from UCLA in 2004.
At 25 years old, Bhardwaj finished sixth in the women’s all-around with a score of 74.750. Though she was much older than most of her competitors, the age difference didn’t faze her one bit.
“Gymnastics, for me, is, at this point, much more mental than physical,” Bhardwaj said. “And I feel like I am a lot stronger mentally now than I was then (when younger).”
“I think I showed USA Gymnastics that older women can train and compete with younger athletes. I definitely felt I have made an impact in the sport.”
The road to the Olympics has been an uncertain one for Bhardwaj – and certainly an interesting one.
She began training in July but was struggling to finance her training until Pamela Anderson, former Baywatch actress, heard Bhardwaj’s story and was moved by it.
Anderson gave Bhardwaj $20,000 and attended the competition both nights to cheer Bhardwaj on, sporting a sign that read, “Go, Mo.”
And go was exactly what Bhardwaj did, earning an invitation to the Olympic training camp, where she will have a chance to fight for one of the team’s four remaining spots.
Bhardwaj said she would be happy whether or not she makes the Olympic team.
“Regardless of what happens, I will be able to look back with a clear conscience,” Bhardwaj said. “I am addicted to the pursuit of an Olympic dream.”
Bhardwaj’s coach Chris Waller quoted UCLA gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field in what may best sum up Bhardwaj’s Olympic pursuit.
“No outs, no doubts, no excuses,” Waller said.
And also, for Bhardwaj, no regrets.