(NECN: Julie Loncich, Burlington, Mass.) - At Aly Raisman's Burlington, Mass. gym, they never doubted her level of talent especially on the Olympic stage.
"We, her family at Brestyan's, we knew she was going to go far. We believed it. We had it in our hearts. Her floor routine was amazing," said Rashawn Harrison of Brestyan's American Gymnastics Club.
The 18-year-old first-time Olympian spent more than her share of hours tumbling and jumping...and along the way, inspiring a lot of little gymnasts - like 8-year-old Sophia Voss.
"I'm really proud of her that she went to the Olympics," said Voss.
Proud, doesn't even begin to cut it in her hometown of Needham, Mass. A town where the local jeweler personally designed, made, and gifted sapphire, ruby and diamond earrings that now adorn Aly's ears.
"I'm so thrilled, more for her than for anything else. I think there's a lot of good that will come out of it," said Anto Aboyan of Adamas Fine Jewelers.
A town where signs in her honor hang in store fronts like Taylor's Stationary.
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"After last night, everybody is talking about her and how wonderful she did," said Jack McQuillian of Taylor's Stationary.
Back at her gym, the line of girls wanting to be just as wonderful has already begun to form.
"Fifteen people in the last three hours have come in wanting to come here," said Harrison.
There can only be one Aly Raisman, of course and only one gymnast to capture gold.
"I know she will. Fingers crossed, toes crossed," said Harrison.
