Aly Raisman will go for gold in Thursday’s individual all-round artistic gymnastic final following a stunning qualifying performance.

The 18-year-old USA captain scored 15.325 on the floor and 15.1 on the balance beam on her way to recording an impressive 60.391 overall.

Her performance ensured that world champion and best friend Jordyn Wieber crashed out as no country can have more than two gymnasts in the individual all-round final.

Raisman, who will now compete alongside fellow American Gabby Douglas, will hope to win both gold in the individual and team events.

"Aly's success today just proves that hard work pays off," USA coach Martha Karolyi said.

"She's one of the most serious and hardest-working girls in training. So finally it came true, and she was able to perform at the (highest) level."

Raisman was the least fancied of the American trio but she insists the lack of attention has helped her quest.

"I was OK with being under the radar because I just felt more calm going into this," she said.

"I didn't feel the pressure. I just wanted to do it more for myself and my coaches because we've been working so hard together. I really felt real confident that I could get my goal."