Raisman rejoices

Jewish US gymnast Hava Nagilas to final

High school student Aly Raisman of Massachusetts beats out world champ teammate as cheering parents become online hit

By Greg Tepper and AP 30 July 2012, 6:46 pm 4 Edit

Alexandra Reisman (photo credit: YouTube capture)

Jewish US Olympian Alexandra (Aly) Raisman, who advanced Monday to the all-around individual finals in London, chose Hava Nagila (Let’s Rejoice) as the background music for her qualifying-round routine.

Raisman’s performance to the Jewish tune was enough to overtake world champion teammate and favorite Jordyn Wieber, who was seen in tears after she failed to qualify for finals competition.

“It’s really hard,” Raisman said. “That was kind of like my first thought. I was really happy but then at the same time I feel bad just because I know how bad [Wieber] wanted it.”

Raisman’s parents have been getting some online attention of their own. The two were caught on camera cheering on daughter Aly in a manner that would put some synchronized swimmers to shame. A YouTube video of the cheering duo has garnered nearly 60,000 views since Sunday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ide4AT6Wd8