McKayla Maroney

Sport: Gymnastics

Nation: United States of America

DOB: December 9, 1995

Hometown: Long Beach, CA

Career Highlights: The 2011 world vault champion overcame a mild concussion and nasal fracture suffered on a missed vault landing at the U.S. championships in June to earn a spot in London, making the team after petitioning to compete in the Olympic trials. Maroney was also the gold medalist in vault at the national championships in 2011 and the '10 Pan American championships, and she earned team gold in worlds last year as well. She took silver at nationals in the all-around competition and won gold in floor exercise at the Pan American meet in 2010. Maroney is considered by many gymnastics observers to be the best in the world at landing the very difficult Amanar vault, an ability that places her among the favorites to win Olympic gold in that competition. Ironically, her vault prowess has at times overshadowed her overall talent, and she's likely to be overlooked as a serious contender for the all-around title in London. Maroney is also a standout on floor exercise - which she considers her favorite event - with her routines emphasizing choreography over athleticism. She bested teammate and current world champion Jordyn Wieber to win the all-around title at the City of Jesolo Trophy in March 2011 before claiming silver behind Wieber at the national championships that year. Like childhood friend and Olympic teammate Kyla Ross, Maroney was introduced to gymnastics by her parents as an outlet for her energy, starting at age 2. Her father Michael was a quarterback for Purdue.

Olympic History: None