Olympic Champion Kyle Shewfelt, who broke both legs during a training session in August 2007 at the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, withdrew from the event in order to focus on his Beijing comeback.
“I made this decision with the intention of being at my best in Beijing. I have believed all along that this comeback is going to come down to the wire and I’m confident that my persistence and desire are going to get me to where I want to be. Right now is a critical time to make smart decisions and I feel that it will be more beneficial for me to spend the week working in the gym rather than competing,†said Shewfelt of his decision.
I spoke with Kyle. He was completely certain the decision was the correct one. But concerned that fans would be disappointed not to see his “comeback” this weekend.
Will Kyle be ready for Beijing?
From his personal blog:
… Yesterday (Monday), at training, Edouard came in and checked out my progress. He was very impressed! I showed him a routine on floor with full difficulty middle passes and basic first and last lines. Then I did a couple sky high Arabian double pikes and full in dismounts. I vaulted 5 great Yurchenko 2.5’s. I hit highbar and ring routines too…
Edouard Iarov is the Canadian National Team Coach.
Expect to see Kyle in Beijing. He’ll be ready.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 