Maroney, the reigning vault world champion, was part of the team who claimed Team gold at the World Championship in Tokyo last year ahead of Russia and defending Olympic champions China.
However, despite her team being favourites to win team gold at the North Greenwich Arena, Maroney prefers a more modest approach and says the USA do not believe they have got the gold medal in the bag.
'We really do believe in ourselves but you always have to think of yourself as the underdog,' she said.
'Everything you do is so important. You need to make sure you do it as best you can.
'You can't go out there thinking: 'I can get the gold medal. We just really have to do our job and do our job as best we can.'
The 16-year-old aggravated a break in her right big toe during training last week meaning her only contribution in Sunday's qualifying is likely to be on the Vault.
'It's weird but it's cool to know that I'm here for just that,' Maroney said.
'It's an absolute honour to know that they need me for the Vault and I just hope that I can make them proud.'
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