As a member of USA Gymnastics' selection committee last year, Liukin was at this event, watching from the stands. She was part of the three-person committee that selected which U.S. gymnasts would compete in the big events. Of course when she decided to make a comeback, she vacated that role.  Too bad. That position could have come in handy right now, a reporter joked. She could have selected herself.  "Yeah," Liuken said, playing along. "I like the girl in pink!"  National team coordinator Martha Karolyi calls the U.S. Classic a dress rehearsal for what lies ahead: nationals in St. Louis from June 7-10, the Olympic trials three weeks later in San Jose and Olympic team selection on July 1. For Liukin, 20, it's more like an unveiling, a first look at her chances of making the Olympic team.  "I'm not setting any expectations," said Liukin, wearing hot pink warm-up attire. "I know I'll be nervous. Even today in training I was nervous, doing uncharacteristic things. Both Martha and my dad (and coach Valeri) said, 'Stay calm. Your skills are there.' "  On Saturday, Liukin will compete in the balance beam but hopes to add the uneven bars, her signature event, in upcoming competitions if a shoulder problem subsides.  "It's a work in progress," Valeri said. "She's still not there yet. … She needs to get her feet wet. I don't know what to expect. She's back on the podium, and it's nerve-wracking for me."  During Liukin's time away from competition, Karolyi said she would occasionally ask, "Is Nastia trying?" She's pleased that Liukin is attempting a comeback, but said, "I wish it was three months before."  "I'm really cheering for her and I hope she can do it, but her job is not easy," Karolyi said. "If she's in shape she would be an excellent asset for the U.S. team."
Liukin, the 2008 all-around Olympic gold medalist, will compete in Chicago on Saturday. She's preparing for the Olympic trials.