Aly Raisman has narrated how her teammates made her feel comfortable at the 2012 London Olympic Games, particularly highlighting McKayla Maroney's contribution. Debuting on the Olympic stage, Raisman claimed a gold medal and bronze while being spurred on by her teammates.
The 30-year-old said that she was nervous and a bit disappointed after her fourth-place finish in the individual all-around, and that she did not know how she would perform in the subsequent categories.
Aly Raisman noted that hearing cheers from Maroney and her teammates was the highlight of her competition. She could somehow manage to block the noise from other people and listen to what Maroney would tell her.
Aly Raisman added that Maroney was a vital part of her success, revealing that she would act as a guide and ease her tension when she was in action.
"I could always hear my coach and I could always hear my teammate McKayla Maroney in the stands. I just remember listening to her and having her sought of help me and guide me and her cheering really helped calm me down because when we were in practice, we would all cheer for each other and focusing on that sort of reminded me that this is just another day in the gym and it’s not," Aly Raisman told BBC News.
"I don’t know how I can do it but I can just block out everything else and just hear McKayla Maroney in my head even if she is all across the arena somewhere but I could hear her," she added.
Raisman said going into the floor exercise she was extremely nervous, but added that her coach reminded her of the times when she could only dream of being at the Olympic Games.
Aly Raisman put her worries aside and embraced a free spirit, and that’s how she managed to do what she called ‘the best floor routine I have done in my entire life.’ Raisman insisted that music also played a huge role in her exploits, lauding her coach for always knowing the right type of music to play.
"I was so nervous and at the point I got up there I just told myself to let go and not think and I think to this day it was the best floor routine I have done in my entire life. I just fell in a state of flow that I have never felt before when I was competing," Raisman stated.
"I think that all four events are different and unique in their own way and each of them requires different expertise and technique and it’s different because on the floor, I can hear my floor music and the crowds cheering and clapping and that was important for my coaches. And they wanted music that people could clap to."
Aly Raisman in awe of Simone Biles after the latter's Paris Olympics qualification
Aly Raisman congratulated Simone Biles following her qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games through a dominant display at the U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Trials.
Biles claimed top honors at the trials, winning the all-around and finishing second on the uneven bars. The four-time Olympic champion finished fourth on balance beam and reigned supreme on floor exercise.
Ally Raisman was "in awe" of Biles’ performance, and expressed pride at having witnessed her compatriot’s mastery of the sport.
Raisman shared a cute photo of herself and Biles and captioned it:
"So proud @simonebiles. In awe of you 💕How special to be able to witness your journey."
They were both in action at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where Raisman was the team captain. At the event, Biles won three individual gold medals - the all-around, vault, and floor exercise - and also won the team gold medal. The 27-year-old also won a bronze medal on the balance beam, while Raisman won a team gold medal and two silver medals - on the all-around and floor exercise.
As she heads to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Biles will be joined by the likes of Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey and Hezly Rivera.