Shayla Worley

The Stats:

2007 World Team Gold Medalist 2007 U.S. National All-Around Silver Medalist

The Scoop:  After missing out on the 2006 World Championships due to injury, Shayla emerged in 2007 stronger than ever with a surprise silver in the all-around at the USA Championships. One of the bright spots on the 2007 World Championship gold medal squad, Shayla hit her fantastic beam and bars sets in prelims and competed well in the team finals on bars and floor.  Known for her high flying release moves on bars and exquisite innovativeness on beam, Shayla could easily contribute to the U.S. effort in Beijing.  However, large errors on both of these events at the recent American Cup certainly didn’t help her campaign.  A new bars dismount (poor technique double front) and removal of her inconsistent (and mediocre) standing Arabian on beam would likely raise her stock substantially.

The Summary:  Will Shayla’s mistakes at the 2008 American Cup affect Martha’s confidence in her?  Is her beam reliable enough for the team finals in Beijing?  With bars being a bit weak for the U.S., would a new, consistent bars dismount cement her a spot on the team?