Nastia Liukin

No.7 - Nastia Liukin

Gymnast (USA)

Olympic medals: None

Russian-born gymnast Nastia Liukin probably wouldn’t be part of the U.S. Olympic Team if this were the 1988 Olympics, but it’s 2008, and she’s getting set for her red, white and blue Olympic debut.

Trained by her parents, the 19-year-old Nastia Liukin has tallied nine World Championships, which ties her with Shannon Miller for the most by any other American gymnast.

She has been part of U.S. National gymnastic teams since the age of 12, but was too young to be eligible for the Athens Games in 2004, which is why Beijing will be her first Olympics.

Gymnasts are known for their bodies and Liukin is no different; her body was rated one of the 11 Best on Earth by Glamour magazine.