Kevork Djansezian, Associated Press Mohini Bhardwaj Click photo for larger image.

Sport: Women's gymnastics, vault

Birthplace/hometown: Cincinnati

Age: 25

College: UCLA, where she is in her sixth year

Olympic experience: None. She is quite old for an Olympic gymnast, and she had all but given up on participating in the Games in the late 1990s. But she had a strong year for the national team and impressed coach Bela Karolyi enough that he made her a surprise choice.

International achievement: She was the bronze medalist at the 2001 World Championships but otherwise lacks an impressive resume on the world stage. She finished second at the 2004 U.S. championships two months ago in Nashville. She also is an 11-time All-American at UCLA.

Claim to fame: Her training is subsidized by former "Baywatch" star and model Pamela Anderson.

Goal for Athens: When Karolyi announced her selection, it came after a grueling process culminated by a two-day camp in which one error meant a gymnast -- no matter how accomplished -- was off the team. Bhardwaj was one of only two selections to be 20 or older, and she treated the news as if it were gold at Athens in and of itself: "It's been a long, rolling, stressful ride. I'm glad it's over. I don't think it's really hit me yet. I'm still in shock."

Personal: Mother is from Russia, father from India. They met in Canada. ... Is finishing double major in sociology, history at UCLA. ... Enjoys reading and dancing.

Quotable: "All these girls have been working for this for four years. I've been working for it for 12."