RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (WHDH) - Only five women get to represent the United States in gymnastics at the Olympic games.
Needham Native, Aly Raisman, has now made the team twice, back to back.
It’s a new family for Raisman, a new sisterhood.
Raisman said she’s ready to make history with them once again.
The “Fierce Five,” the nickname given to the 2012 Olympic Gold Medal winning USA Gymnastics team, were the starts of the London Olympics.
The five won the United States a team gold for only the second time ever.
Raisman, who was selected as the 2016 captain, was also the captain of the 2012 team. Four years later, she’s hoping she can lead her new team to new heights.
Along with Raisman and her fellow 2012 teammate, Gabby Douglas, the team rounded out with Simone Biles, Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian.
“Going back with Gabby it’s just really special,” said Raisman.
“…I think people thought we were crazy when we said we were going to try to make another Olympic team,” she said.
It wasn’t long before Raisman, the oldest of the team, got the nickname, “Grandma Aly,” at the ripe of 22.
Just three years younger than Raisman is Biles–known as “Baby Simone.”
The gymnastics world has been buzzing about the Biles; some have called her the world’s greatest gymnast.
Raisman said her and Biles motivate each other.
“Simone has like a very bubbly personality and she’s obviously the best in the world,” said Raisman.
An instant sisterhood of sorts was established. The team has relied on each other.
The world’s focus is on them, both in and out of the gym.
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