After her electrifying performance at U.S. Gymnastics Trials in San Jose three weeks ago, it seemed as if 16-year-old Laurie Hernandez was poised for an opportunity to compete in the individual all-around in Rio.

Upon learning Hernandez made the Olympic team, her coach, Maggie Haney, admitted the all-around was, in fact, their ultimate goal. "That would be the best thing ever," Haney said in July.

But during podium training Thursday night at Rio's Olympic Arena, it became clear Hernandez will likely not be given the opportunity to compete for one of two U.S. spots in the individual all-around.

"I wouldn't say I'm disappointed," Hernandez said after training. "This is what the team needs. If the team needs someone that is strong and consistent and can help the team in bars, I say that's what we do. Martha is very smart and knows the right decision."

Haney was slightly less diplomatic.

"I'm disappointed at the possibility of her not competing in the all-around," Haney said. "I have to respect the decision, but it's hard when I look back and realize she was second both days at Trials and had the second-highest all-around score to Simone coming in. I don't know what to say. I've cried a lot this week."

During Sunday's qualification round, each country will compete with four athletes on each apparatus, with the top three scores counting toward the team's score on that apparatus. In order to qualify for the all-around, a gymnast must compete in all four rotations and 24 women will make the all-around, with each country being limited to two gymnasts.

During podium training, teams typically practice in the order in which they will compete during qualification, so the fifth athlete to perform on each apparatus is likely the athlete who will sit out of that rotation during qualification.

When the U.S. team performed their bars routines Thursday night, Hernandez went last. And those paying attention realized the implications immediately. Three-time defending world champion Simone Biles is a shoo-in to make the all-around. Hernandez arguably would have been.

But by sitting Hernandez out on bars instead of Aly Raisman or defending Olympic all-around gold medalist Gabby Douglas -- Madison Kocian was essentially brought to Rio for her bar routine -- Martha Karolyi is allowing her two veteran Olympians to battle it out Sunday for the second U.S. all-around spot.

"The way the puzzle fit together, certain people have to fit in certain spots," Haney said. "Martha knows what she's doing."

Despite acknowledgement from Haney, Hernandez and Douglas that the decision appeared to be a done deal, Karolyi said the final lineup will not be turned in until Saturday, 24 hours before competition.

"We didn't decide 100 percent yet," Karolyi said. "We will have the meeting tonight. We will analyze everything. But we have our tentative lineup."