[Bela Karolyi] looked over to Ellen Berger, the East German woman who happens to be the director of judges. Karolyi was happy to see that "She is frightened, no question about it. There is desperation."

Karolyi remained smug even after Berger had caused a commotion during the uneven bars competition, immediately after those scores were shown. Berger believed she had seen U.S. alternate Rhonda Faehn remain on the podium during [Kelly Garrison-Steves] routine.

Highest U.S. contenders were Brandy Johnson, 9th, and Phoebe Mills, 13th. Garrison-Steves was 18th going into the optionals. Any and all could advance to the all-around competition, which selects the top 36 based on combined compulsory and optional scores. But keep an eye on Rhonda Faehn. Ellen Berger will.