It’s far too early to predict the final USA Gymnastics Team for Beijing, but here are many of the main contenders:
In his first all-around competition since being crowned Olympic Champion in 2004, Paul Hamm returned in style with a victory at the Winter Cup Challenge in Las Vegas. With a tally of 185.850, Hamm’s victory was by a margin of over seven points. Raj Bhavsar earned silver (178.600) and Alexander Artemev (178.100) earned bronze. …
Rounding out the top six at Winter Cup were David Durante, Joey Hagerty and David Sender. …
The Winter Cup Challenge also served as a re-ranking competition for the U.S. Men’s Senior National Team. Based on performance at the Winter Cup Challenge, seven gymnasts will earn National Team positions, with four based on point totals and three added by committee. Immediately named to the team based on points were Hamm, Bhavsar, Hagerty and Sean Townsend, who finished seventh overall. The final three should be added within the next 24 hours. The seven members of the 2007 World Championship Team, which placed fourth in the team standings, automatically retain their national team status. Those team members include Artemev, Durante, Guillermo Alvarez, Sean Golden, Jonathan Horton, Sho Nakamori and Kevin Tan. This newly formed U.S. Men’s Senior National Team of 14 will retain their positions until the 2008 Visa Championships in May.
International assignments will come from this group, with the Tyson American Cup up next in New York City on March 1st. Hamm, Horton and Bhavsar will represent the U.S. at that event. Hamm and Horton were previously assigned to the event while Bhavsar earned his spot based on his performance at the Winter Cup Challenge.
Only Paul would be considered a lock. There are a number of “specialists” who will get real consideration. Blaine Wilson, for example did far better than I expected, with top 10 finishes on floor (t-9th/29.0), rings (7th/30.25), vault (t-4/31.75) and high bar (6th/29.05).
Las Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken) – ESPN
Dana Brass from Cirque du Soleil was at the meet, as usual. She said Paul’s stuck double layout dismount on Floor punctuated his return.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 