Success breeds Olympic confidence for US women

STUTTGART, Germany, Sep 9 (Reuters) American gymnasts dominated the women's events at the world championships this week to give China a clear message that they have plenty of work to do if they want to win Olympic golds on home soil next year.

The United States picked up four of the six golds on offer for women, while China managed just one after winning three last year.

Victories in the team event, all-round, balance beam and floor exercise competitions have given the US confidence before the Beijing Games.

''I think we have the edge by being a little bit more consistent,'' coach Martha Karolyi told reporters today.

All-round and floor champion Shawn Johnson said her team's success had set up an enticing clash between the two countries next year.

''They're an extremely strong team and coming to next year it'll be the toughest fight,'' the 15-year-old said.

All of the United States' seven medals were won in the women's events, highlighting the gulf with the men's team. By contrast, Chinese men won four of the eight titles available.

Floor silver medallist and vault bronze medallist Alicia Sacramone said the US women would be training hard over the next year to ensure they still had the advantage in China.

''We have shown that under pressure the group works very well,'' she said.

''We worked our butts off to get the team title back and we're going to work even harder.'' Reuters TB RN0027