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![]() The U.S. gymnasts have gotten some nerves out of their system after a "jittery" podium training in Rotterdam, world champion Bridget Sloan said. Team coordinator Marta Karolyi addresses the team during Wednesday's podium training. The U.S. gymnasts have gotten some nerves out of their system after a "jittery" podium training in Rotterdam, world champion Bridget Sloan said. ![]() Mackenzie Caquatto gets treatment from U.S. team physiotherapist Debbie Van Horn during podium training. The U.S. women, who compete Sunday in the second day of qualification, took the floor at the Ahoy Arena for podium training on Wednesday. The defending world champions, the U.S. women admitted they looked less than perfect. "It was eventful," Sloan said. "I definitely take each meet as a learning experience. It was nice to get out on the podium, but it is podium training and it is just like a training session. I think we were a little jittery but I think we got them all out." Sloan and national champion Rebecca Bross, 1-2 at the 2009 Worlds, have both been struggling with injuries. Sloan was only able to compete balance beam at the U.S. championships in August, while Bross has been suffering from pain in her lower right leg. In addition, first-time world team member Mackenzie Caquatto appeared to suffer a thigh injury while training on beam. Other team members Chelsea Davis, Mattie Larson, Alexandra Raisman and Alicia Sacramone appear healthy and strong. "Podium training is over," team coordinator Marta Karolyi said. "There were some highlights and some mistakes. Based on that, over the next three days, we will do some adjustments and I think altogether we will be ready." Karolyi has yet to decide which of the seven gymnasts will serve as alternate. The team has until Saturday to submit its final six-member lineup for Sunday morning's competition. Veteran Sacramone, favored to win the vault title in Rotterdam, seems assured of her spot. Captain of the U.S. women's silver medal-winning squad at the 2008 Olympics, Sacramone has been drawing on her extensive experience to give advice to her younger teammates. "[I told them] just to stay calm and not get ahead of themselves," Sacramone said. "The biggest thing is to be confident in your abilities because they have been working so hard and they are ready for this. Nerves can get the best of you some times and you make uncharacteristic mistakes. I think if they stay calm, they are going to do great." Stay tuned to IG Online for more news and reports from the 2010 World Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam. Use coupon code INTERNATIONALGYMNAST to get a discounted rate to watch live streaming coverage on UniversalSports.com! Comments (2)
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