Rumors of Romania's demise have apparently been greatly exaggerated

Hooray, but please don't toy with my emotions anymore, Belu and Bitang! I can't take it! Let this be the final word!

However, it does appear that another AA hope, this time Yao Jinnan of China, is also struggling with injuries. She had a nasty fall on vault that took her out of the Chinese Nationals this year, and arrived in podium training with a wrapped thigh, was spotted quite heavily by her coaches, and was lacking her usual sharpness. It does not appear that they have called in a replacement athlete as of yet.

Yao is China's best AA hope this games, and it would be a real shame if she wasn't able to perform at her peak. She is one of China's most consistent gymnasts as well, and her steadiness and focus would be greatly missed in the team final should she be pulled out. I can't help but think that if Jiang Yuyuan had been selected as China's 5th team member, they'd be in better shape in terms of covering every apparatus in qualifying.

Iordache injured

Well, this sucks.

Larisa Iordache is reportedly out of the all-around after contracting fasciitis in her left foot. Romania is currently doing their podium training, so it remains to be seen how she performs and what she'll be able to contribute on in team finals- probably bars and possibly beam.

This is a serious blow to Romania's podium hopes, not to mention Iordache's excellent chances of medaling in the All-Around. What a shame to see such an amazing young athlete get so far to an Olympic dream only to fall short at the closest hurdle.

It's not all doom and gloom for the Romanians, however. Diana Bulimar will now most likely be up on floor in the TF, and her contributions on bars and beam will become even more important. Izbasa threw a Cheng vault in podium training (I'm sorry I doubted you, Sandra!), Catalina threw a full-twisting double layout, and Chelaru an Amanar timer. They've still got some tricks up their sleeves.

Basically, remember this- never, ever count Romania out of winning a medal at the Olympic Games. Many others have (cough cough USA in 2004) to their peril and shame.

One other thing about Euros

It has to be said, looking at the qualifications video, that Aliya's twisting form is not looking good at ALL. It was never outstanding and things really seem to have deteriorated since the injury, although I did go back and rewatch some footage from the Switzerland/Russia/GB meet earlier this year and it wasn't quite as bad there. Her arabian is fabulous, the double tuck is fine (though I hate double tucks on floor unless you incorporate a whip or two into the pass because otherwise snore) but those twists are making me very nervous for her repaired knee.

Make this a freaking priority in the gym, Mother Russia, or Aliya's E score is going to be the difference between gold and silver, or medal/no medal.

Of all the gymnasts who had their careers cut short by injury

whose loss do you feel the most?

For me, it's a toss-up between Aurelia Dobre and Ekaterina Lobaznyuk.

They were both such beautiful gymnasts, with so much style and personality. But Dobre never quite recovered her exquisite form after her knee injury, and poor Katia was so severely injured she could barely return to the sport at all. Still though, I guess we should be grateful for the wonderful performances they did give us while they were healthy!