It was something more than a minor slight when American gymnast Elizabeth Price from Coopersburg, Pa. was named an alternate to the U.S. Women's gymnastics team for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. If Price felt at all slighted, the 16-year-old's smile would suggest otherwise.

This is her first year of eligibility. Her status as an alternate came as something of a surprise after she gave top gymnasts from the U.S. and around the world a run for the money at competitions this summer.

In a recent interview with the Lehigh Valley Morning Call, Price talked about the selection process. Asked if she was disappointed at being named an alternate, she said:

I say, well, there's nothing I can do about it now; I just need to work hard and show them that maybe they will regret that they didn't choose me. Maybe I actually will get to compete. I'll make the best of it, do the best I can to be ready.

The Russians and Chinese always provide for stiff competition in gymnastics at the Olympics. The opportunity to take it all in, and get a look at the competition, should still be a good opportunity for Price, who is likely to be a fixture on future U.S. teams.

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