No mistaking Mattie

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

PHILADELPHIA-- Mattie Larson said the occasion almost overwhelmed her. The 16-year-old newly minted senior-level gymnast had a couple of falls during her seventh-place overall finish at the national championships in Boston.

‘Nerves,’ Larson said. ‘Now I know what it will be like.’

Larson, who trains at All-Olympia Gymnastics Center in Los Angeles, said she was looking forward to the predicted sellout crowds at the Wachovia Center Friday and Sunday. She said she was particularly trying to avoid mistakes on her balance beam and uneven bars routines, two events she said U.S. team coordinator Martha Karolyi told Larson she needed for consistency if she hoped to sneak onto the Olympic team.

-- Diane Pucin