Sanne Wevers, The Netherlands
Sanne here is on the team with her twin sister, Lieke. I LOVE this photo of her. She actually medaled on the beam at the 2015 European championships, but it sure as hell looks like she's thinking, "Hello, my old nemesis. WE MEET AGAIN." The leotard looks like it's quite pretty. I have to say, many of them do.
Russia
Aw. If ever an image reminded you that these are such young women, who have surrendered their childhoods in pursuit of this dream... sniffle. Also I now want to go hug every stuffed animal I can find.
Russia
"Wait, what? I have to spin him three times clockwise and counterclockwise and them kiss his nose and say, 'Stellar job, Mr. Cuddles'? I... okay."
Simone Biles
I mean. I had to stop myself from pulling all beam pictures, because the beam is my personal object of greatest terror and thus greatest fascination. I basically watch that rotation through my fingers.
Simone Biles
And when Biles does this move -- she balances on that right foot in this position and then SPINS AROUND ON THE BEAM, and more than once -- my heart is in my throat every time.
Laurie Hernandez
Laurie oozes personality, and is not eligible for the all-around because of finicky strategizing. Martha Karolyi needed to get Madison Kocian in on bars, which meant either Raisman, Douglas, Hernandez, or Biles had to sit down; that in turn meant that whoever sat would not be competing to get in the all-around. They chose Laurie. They may regret that. I hope she KILLS IT and ends up in every event final.
Team USA
These are great, too. White leotards always really stress me out, so I'm glad the US went with the red and blue part instead. I often find that the prescribed hugging in gymnastics can look SO forced, but this team for the most part seems totally genuine in it support of each other -- more so than usual; I'm not saying past teams haven't supported each other, but rather that the camaraderie here seems a bit more relaxed. Anyway. Love these ladies and they are such a privilege to watch.
Belgium
Those are hella funky. I honestly would have expected those to be on rhythmic gymnasts. They even LOOK like the ribbons.
Belgium
HEART ATTACK IN A JAR. I don't know how gymnastics parents do it.
Elissa Downie
Speaking of heart attacks, Elissa -- who competes on the British team with her sister -- fell ON HER HEAD during floor and tried to keep going and then had to stop herself. It was so sad. But damned if she didn't come out and do two vaults to push her team into the finals. So brave of her, but... I hope they took proper care of her head. I also enjoy the crystal lion on the front, but isn't that more of an England thing than a GBR thing?
Ellie Downie
I prefer the back.
Japan
These look interesting all in a row, but I'm not exactly sure that's the same thing as me liking them.
Japan
How HAPPY they look, though. How loose and relaxed! So awesome.
Japan
Wow. Talk about parallel.
North Korea
These almost look more like swimsuits. Also, I LOVE the looks on gymnasts' faces when they're mid-move. When you watch in real-time they fly around and it's so effortless-looking, and then photos tell the true story. This is basically the face I make when I'm typing. A SLIGHTLY less dangerous exertion...
Ireland
I like the little shamrock on the back.
Oksana Chusovitina
Oksana, of Uzbekistan, is 41. It's UNHEARD OF for someone to be at the Olympics in this sport at that age. Truly amazing dedication, but in a weird way, it makes me REALLY worried for what will happen when she's done. This has clearly been her life for so long! I hope she'll make a good coach, or something. I'm sure it's absurd that I'm stressing out about her career path. ALSO.
I don't love the pink leotards, AND this whole digression is pointless because I wrote it back when I thought she was competing for Romania, but let's just roll with it: The Romanian gymnasts from my youth -- they were SO formidable then -- all wore whitish ones with red, yellow, and blue stripes, and I always thought of them as the Rainbow Leotards. They were so distinctive. I MEAN. And even thought that didn't end up being relevant here (I don't know where I read that she was competing for Romania), it's at least a fun excuse to revisit those leotards.
Panama
It's bold to have something centering on your leo, because it gives the judges an easy gauge for whether you are in line or not.
South Korea
Lee Eun Ju here apparently took a selfie with North Korea's top gymnast, which many take as an appealing sign of Olympic sportsmanship and unity. Also, she is supposedly 17, but if you told me she was 13 I would believe you.
China
Those are interesting, but I'm not sure how I'd feel about a giant metallic smile stretching between my armpits.
Guatemala
The stark blue cuffs feel a little distracting, no?
Germany
Oooh, those are pretty -- SO much more lively and personality-plus than the maudlin, dreary costumes they wore for the Opening Ceremony. Maybe some of the leotard designers should branch out into figure skating when they're done.
Slovakia
This leo has a bit of a classic look to it. I wish I could see more of it. I mostly chose this picture because I have NO IDEA what's happening in it. The crooked lines LOOK like they're probably not right? But what do I know?
Poland
When you're not sure if you fully shaved your kneecap.
Other than the classic Romanian ones, I really AM not that into white leotards -- they just stress me out, as I noted -- and so this one is no exception. And the beige netting is NOT the way to spice it up, for me.
Canada
These seem be quite beautiful as well. Aw, Canada. I'm sorry. Get 'em next time.
France
For real, some of these could be synchronized swimming costumes. Lots of ornate swirls, although not in an unwelcome way. This photo is gorgeous all-around and also makes me want to stretch my back.
Jamaica
Interesting that Jamaica is ALL IN on yellow in every other sport, but there's none here.
Brazil
Brazil is led by 4'4" Flavia Saraiva, who is a delight to watch. This is only the third Olympics for Brazil's gymnasts, I think, so it must be BEYOND thrilling to have made it to the team finals. Their unis don't really scream "BRAZIL" to me, but they're pretty on their own merits, I suppose, and they seem to be having a blast. What more can you ask for than that, really?