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US Olympic Women's Gymnastics Trials to Kick Off at San Jose's SAP Center

The U.S. Women's Gymnastics Olympics Trials kick off Friday night in San Jose.

Thousands of fans will flock to the SAP Center as Olympic hopefuls — including frontrunners such as Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman — vie for five coveted spots to represent Team USA in Rio.

In all, 14 women will compete in the trials.

The competition comprises two full days of competitions: On Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. Both events are sold out. The Olympic gymnastics team is expected to be announced around 7:45 p.m. Sunday.

This is the first year since 1976 that two separate U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials are being held, according to NBC.

[NATL-BAY] Meet the 2016 U.S. Women's Olympic Gymnastics Team

Gymnastics legend and coach Bela Karolyi kicked off the festivities Friday afternoon outside the SAP Center.

"We are going to win!" Karolyi said to cheers from the crowd. "USA! USA!"

Fans trickling into the event were decked out in red, white and blue.

The all-around champion — the athlete with the highest combined score over two nights of competition — at the upcoming trials automatically lands a spot on the Olympic team.

In 2012, that was Douglas. This year, gymnast observers say, Biles is a standout as she hasn’t been defeated once during all-around competitions in the last three years.

The other four spots on the team will be filled based on a number of factors, including the 13 remaining gymnasts' scores, consistency, presentation, physical ability and readiness.

In the wake of the Dallas shooting, police are increasing security at the SAP Center for the Olympic Trials. Jessica Aguirre and Scott Budman reports.

The Olympic Selection Committee also will consider performances by Brenna Dowell, Rachel Gowey, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian, Maggie Nichols, MyKayla Skinner, Christina Desiderio, Ragan Smith, Amelia Hundley, Ashton Locklear, and Emily Schild.

For more Olympic Trials Live coverage visit NBCSports.com

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