Excellent feature article on Ohio State coach Miles Avery.
His daily routine. Preparing Blaine Wilson, Paul and Morgan Hamm for the Olympics. His read on what it would take for Paul to upset current World Champion Yang Wei in the All-Around. And the USA team strategy for competing against China in Beijing.
There are three ways to read the article:
Even more interesting is an article on the NBC Olympics page:
China’s Yang Wei is the 2006 and 2007 individual all-around world champion in men’s gymnastics. Paul Hamm of the United States is the 2003 all-around champion and winner of gold medal in the individual all-around at the 2004 Olympics.
Hamm took two years off before coming back to the sport; Yang will undoubtedly be favored to win gold at the 2008 Olympics. …
Here, in his own words, Hamm explains, event by event, how the competition may unfold – and what it would take to repeat as Olympic individual all-around champion. …
How to repeat as champion – Paul Hamm breaks down his game plan to beat China’s Yang Wei
Is Paul gutsy and straight-talking?
Or a touch arrogant?
Thanks TCO.
4 comments ↓
I think Paul is gutsy and a touch arrogant but isn’t everybody? I’ve been watching Paul and Morgan’s blog for some time and I have always loved them. I think Paul will definitely have his work cut out for him and the many other competitors that will be at the Olympics won’t make it easy, but I think he has a shot.
I thought Paul was pretty crazy when I read that. He says Yang has him beat in start value on four out of six events but he still thinks he can win because of form. He can win if Yang makes enough mistakes but I don’t see how he thinks he’s going to beat a chinese gymnast on form. Admittedly, i don’t follow men’s gym but that just strikes me as absurd.
Yang Wei is not known for his brilliant form.
I’ve never appreciated Paul for artistry, though his form is good. His line fair.
Overall, I would call them equal in B-score. Paul’s only real hope is in consistency. Hit 6 for 6 and hope Yang Wei falls twice.
Hambüchen could beat Paul, too, if they both hit.
Paul needs Yang to fall and Hambuchen to fall or be off somehow also. Also, he needs to make sure he goes 6 for 6, which he does sometimes not always. So he does have a chance. But not favored. That said, I think Paul has been brilliant in only competeing when ready and in creating an aura with judges…
Btw, I’m straight talking and gutsy, but a bit arrogant…
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