Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst: The Role of Olympic Alternates in Team USA's Gymnastics Squad

PARIS — As the global focus sharpens on the 2024 Paris Olympics, the emblematic slogan "Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst" takes on profound significance for Team USA's Olympic alternates. This phrase highlights the pivotal yet often underappreciated role of these athletes, who stand ready to step into the limelight should misfortune befall the primary team members.

The Critical Role of Alternates

The recent U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials witnessed a cascade of season-ending injuries affecting some of the country's elite gymnasts. This turn of events has underscored the indispensable role of alternates, who must be poised to perform at their peak despite their secondary status.

Among these alternates is Joscelyn Roberson, whose preparedness exemplifies the dedication required for this role. A native of Texarkana, Texas, and a training partner of the renowned Simone Biles, Roberson was narrowly edged out for a spot on the five-member U.S. women’s gymnastics team. Nevertheless, her status as an Olympian underscores her crucial role in the team’s comprehensive preparation.

"I'm so excited about it, but I'm just staying focused and honestly pretending like I am going to compete at any moment because I really could," Roberson commented. Her proactive mindset and unwavering focus are indicative of the commitment demanded from alternates.

The Olympic Preparation Journey

Roberson, along with fellow alternate Leanne Wong, 20, a two-time world champion and a standout at the University of Florida, has been deeply involved in Team USA’s Olympic preparations. Their journey, which began in Texas, has led them to Paris, where they have been engaged in rigorous training since July 19.

Their preparation activities have included unboxing their Olympic leotards on NBC's TODAY Show, participating in team bonding exercises, and undergoing intensive workouts. Despite not being part of the initial competition lineup, both athletes are maintaining a readiness that parallels that of the main team members.

“My training is the same as if I was going to compete,” Wong asserted. “Because in this sport, like we saw at trials, anything could happen.”

Olympic Village and Alternate Status

Although alternates are not allowed to reside in the Olympic Village and are not officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), they are acknowledged as Olympians by the U.S. Olympic Committee. Roberson and Wong will stay in a nearby hotel, remaining on standby to step in should any unforeseen circumstances necessitate their participation.

Wong, who also served as a traveling alternate for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has reflected on her previous experience, noting that the pandemic cast a shadow over it. “I can say I've already been to an Olympics, but it was so different,” she noted. The COVID-19 protocols during the Tokyo Games involved extensive screening processes, and Wong’s experience was further complicated when her roommate tested positive, leading to her quarantine.

Challenges and Opportunities

The role of alternates is fraught with challenges and high-stress scenarios. At the 2023 World Championships, Roberson suffered an injury just minutes before the team final. Wong, demonstrating remarkable composure, swiftly prepared to compete in Roberson’s place, showcasing the resilience required of alternates.

"It's definitely always hard to step in, knowing your teammate got hurt, just processing that," Wong reflected. “But I think just having those experiences in the back of my mind, I know I'll be fine.”

Once the qualification rounds are concluded, alternates cannot be substituted into the competition. If a gymnast is unable to compete after this point, the team must proceed with one less athlete. Nevertheless, Roberson and Wong’s Olympic journey will extend beyond the qualification rounds, as they are scheduled to stay in Paris to support their teammates during the team final on July 30.

"I guess it can be kind of weird to be in the stands and not on the floor competing, but that's my position, if I'm not needed," Wong acknowledged. "I think it's just cool to be there, to get to learn and just explore outside of the arena and outside of practice, too."

Future Aspirations

Regardless of their participation in Paris, both Roberson and Wong are focused on future opportunities within gymnastics. Wong plans to return to the University of Florida to compete in NCAA gymnastics while continuing her pre-medical studies. Roberson will begin her collegiate career at the University of Arkansas, where she will be coached by "Fierce Five" gold medalists Jordyn Wieber and Kyla Ross.

Roberson remains optimistic about future Olympic possibilities, with the 2028 Los Angeles Games already on her radar. “LA 2028 is on the table,” she affirmed. “The door is not closed; it’s definitely open.”

Conclusion

The role of Olympic alternates like Joscelyn Roberson and Leanne Wong is both crucial and often underappreciated. Their readiness to assume high-pressure roles at a moment’s notice, coupled with their unwavering dedication and resilience, underscores the depth of talent and commitment within Team USA’s gymnastics program. As the Paris Olympics unfold, these athletes continue to embody the spirit of preparation and optimism that defines the Olympic experience.