Nastia Liukin faceplants on uneven bars; ends 2012 chances (video)

Subway spokeswoman Nastia Liukin is one of the more popular past U.S. Olympic athletes around. She’s one of the faces of the USA gymnastics franchise, and one of the most successful competitors in Beijing 2008. But despite all her medals, she’s not making the Olympic team this summer.


Her faceplant on the uneven bars tonight cemented her status as not a part of the London 2012 Olympics.
However, Liukin has nothing to be ashamed of.

Liukin was nearing the end of her routine, but her hands slipped, and her spotter, who happens to be her father, missed her and it resulted in a nasty hit. Her chances were getting slimmer, even before tonight’s mistake. With a really deep U.S. squad, the gymnastics team might be deeper than even ’96; so roster spots are scarce.

But you have to give Liukin credit for being able to get up and actually finish her routine. And the crowd gave her a standing ovation for doing so. Well deserved.
The 2012 Olympics are not going to happen for Nastia Liukin, but the accomplished veteran has nothing to be ashamed of.