U.S. finished in 13th in the prelims after all the subdivisions finished today. Here are more details here: "American Gymnastics in Rebuilding Mode" -
http://www.examiner.com/a-344921~American_Gymnastics_in_Rebuilding_Mode.html
Sasha Artemev and Guillermo Alvarez both qualified for the men's all-around even though they didn't make the top 24, b/c of the 2 per country rule. Amd Artemev qualified for event finals in pommel horse.
Interestingly, this is what they said about who might be on the men's team later on: "The rest of the pipeline? Well, there's Jason Gatson and Raj Bhavsar among the veterans. Surprisingly, Wilson said he hasn't ruled out a comeback." Paul and Morgan Hamm are going to decide this winter if they want to come back - it would be so cool if Blaine Wilson comes back!
On the Hamm twins:
[quote]The Hamms, concentrating on school at Ohio State, are still training, studying the new Code of Points and carefully considering their options.
Paul Hamm's relationship with USA Gymnastics was strained in the wake of the scoring controversy in the all-around at the Athens Olympics. The parties have, by all accounts, patched things up. Now, one question would be what level of financial support the federation would provide if he and Morgan committed to returning.
Normally, the biggest dollars go to gymnasts on the national team, which the Hamms currently aren't. But there are other possibilities.
"We're open to sitting down and having a conversation about it," Penny said.
The Hamms did not want to be interviewed for this story, choosing to wait until they decide what to do before saying anything in public.
Penny says the door is open.
"When Paul Hamm left this sport, he was absolutely the best gymnast in the world," Penny said. "There's no question in my mind that if Paul Hamm decided he wanted to come back, he probably could contribute at some level or another. But that's his decision to make, and in the event he makes that decision, we look forward to him coming back and contributing to the team."[/quote]
