Meaning: Carly Patterson, a former American artistic gymnast and Olympic gold medalist, made this statement in reference to the selection process for the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team. The quote reflects her opinion on the importance of the selection process and how it can impact the team's overall performance. Patterson's words highlight the potential flaws in selecting athletes based on a single meet performance and the potential consequences for the team.

Patterson's reference to "doing it like they did it in '96 or whenever" likely alludes to the selection process used in previous Olympic Games, particularly the 1996 Atlanta Olympics where the U.S. women's gymnastics team, famously known as the "Magnificent Seven," won the team gold medal. During that time, the selection process may have been based on a single meet or event, which Patterson suggests may not be the best approach.

The crux of Patterson's argument lies in the idea that a single meet may not be a true representation of an athlete's abilities. She posits the scenario of an athlete having the meet of their life, demonstrating exceptional performance that is not reflective of their usual level of competition readiness. In such a case, selecting the team based solely on that performance could potentially be detrimental to the team's overall success. Patterson's concern is that a one-time outstanding performance might not accurately reflect an athlete's consistency or reliability in high-pressure situations, such as the Olympic Games.

Patterson advocates for a selection process that takes into account a broader range of performances and factors, rather than relying solely on one meet. This approach would allow for a more comprehensive evaluation of an athlete's skills, consistency, and ability to perform under various circumstances. By considering an athlete's overall body of work, including performances from multiple competitions, training sessions, and other relevant criteria, the selection process can better identify athletes who are not only capable of delivering exceptional performances but also demonstrate the mental fortitude and consistency needed to contribute to the team's success.

In essence, Patterson's perspective emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to athlete selection, one that goes beyond a single snapshot in time and considers the broader context of an athlete's capabilities. This aligns with the notion that the Olympic Games are the pinnacle of athletic competition, and the selection of the best team should be based on a comprehensive assessment of each athlete's potential to contribute to the team's success on the world stage.

Patterson's experience as an elite gymnast and her insight into the demands of high-level competition lend weight to her perspective on the selection process. As an Olympic gold medalist herself, she understands the significance of assembling a team that not only possesses individual talent but also complements each other's strengths and can perform cohesively in a team setting. Her stance reflects a consideration for the team dynamics and the collective performance that is vital in a team sport such as artistic gymnastics.

Ultimately, Patterson's quote underscores the complexity of athlete selection for the Olympic Games and the importance of a thoughtful and thorough approach that evaluates athletes based on their overall body of work, rather than a singular exceptional performance. By advocating for a more comprehensive selection process, Patterson highlights the need to prioritize not only individual excellence but also the ability to contribute to the team's success in a consistent and reliable manner.