Podium Training Prepares U.S. Gymnastics Team for 2010 World Championships

U.S. Gymnastics Team started their podium training at the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam, Netherlands for the 2010 World Championships due to take place from Oct. 16 to the 24.

Martha Karolyi, women's national team coordinator, said that there were some high and low points but after a few adjustments, they will be ready.

The seven girls set to compete for the United States include: Rebecca Bross, Mackenzie Caquatto, Chelsea Davis, Mattie Larson, Alexandra Raisman, Alicia Sacramone and Bridget Sloan.

Erin Williamson, President of the Texas State Gymnastics Club, said she is looking forward to seeing how the third gymnast from WOGA Gymnastics Club in Plano, Texas, Rebecca Bross, will do "in comparison to Olympic gold medalists Carly Patterson and Nastia Liukin."

Alicia Sacramone, seven-time-world-medalist, gave some advice to her fellow teammates competing in their first world championships. Sacramone said to be confident in their abilities and to stay calm, not letting nerves get the best of them.

Lauren Metcalfe said, "I am excited to see Alicia in action again after her devastating fall in the 2008 Olympics."

"I am looking forward to seeing how well the newbie girls do in comparison to the veterans Sacramone and Sloan," said Josh Higgins.

Starting with qualification rounds (women's on Oct. 16 and 17, men's onOct. 18 and 19) in team, all-around and individual event competitions; the top 8 teams compete on Oct. 20 (women) and Oct. 21 (men). The top 24 individuals will compete for the all-around title the 22nd (men and women) and finally, the top 8 will compete for individual events Oct. 23 and 24.

Nick Hunter said, "I love watching the worlds; its a glimpse into what to look forward to at the upcoming Olympics. It will be very exciting."

The 2010 World Championships also determine which 24 countries will advance to the 2011 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. This gives countries two opportunities to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games, either being one of the top 8 teams at the 2011 World Championships, or one of the top 4 at the 2012 Olympic Test Event in London, England.

A live webcast will be broadcast on Universal Sports and NBC Sports will broadcast coverage of the 2010 World Championships on Oct. 23 and 24.

More information on the event and photos of the gymnasts in action can be seen on the official USA Gymnastics website.