The 2016 Olympics are only days away, with the opening ceremony this Friday, August 5 and the games beginning Sunday, August 7. This means we’re pretty excited, because our favorite Jewish gymnast Aly Raisman will begin competing. Her gold-medal winning performances in the 2012 Olympics offer an exciting sneak preview into what we can expect this year.
Here are a few facts you may not know about her:
1. In the floor final routine in 2012, Aly placed first. Even better, she performed to the tune of “Hava Nagila.” She also dedicated her routine to the 11 Israeli Olympians who were murdered by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. Clearly, she’s proud of her Jewish heritage.
2. She competed on “Dancing With the Stars” on the show’s 16th season, and finished in fourth place. Get it, girl.
3. She has three dogs, whose names are Magic, Coco, and Gibson. Of course, they’re just adorable:
A photo posted by Alexandra Raisman (@alyraisman) on
She also FaceTimes with them:
4. She’s the captain and the oldest member of her gymnastics team. Yup, she’s the oldest at 22 (doesn’t that make you feel old?). Because of this, she is often referred to lovingly as “grandma.”
A photo posted by Alexandra Raisman (@alyraisman) on
5. Aly got naked for ESPN’s body issue in 2015. The photos are amazing–and her interview is so down to earth and positive, as she stated:
“It’s not like I literally stare at myself in the mirror first thing in the morning, but it’s just like if I’m in the mirror instead of picking out something I don’t like — of course I’m not perfect. If I have a negative thought in my head I try to change it and remind myself I’m only human.”
6. She models for Aeropostale. You know, NBD.
7. She even has her own line of socks. Because a girl needs a lot of socks. Aly partnered with FEAT, which is a lifestyle brand that makes stylish socks.
8. After she retires from gymnastics, she says she wants to pursue a career in fashion.
“When I’m older, I want to have my own workout clothes line, like leggings and cute jackets in bright and fun colors.”
9. Ketchup is basically her favorite food. She told Cosmopolitan that she and her teammates put it on almost everything.
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