I heard rumours that NCAA Champion Casey Sandy, who finished 3rd AA at Canadian Championships, was not invited to try out for the Canadian Olympic Team.
That’s not quite true.
Casey was invited. But it was explained to him at Nationals that his odds of being named to the 6 man competition team were low due to selection criteria.
This is a shame for Casey as he was part of the 2007 World’s team that qualified Canada to Beijing.
He opted out. His choice.
I spoke to 2004 Olympic coach Tony Smith on his return from the last Olympic Team training camp. He’s happy that all of the top Seniors except Casey were there and functionally healthy. That includes Kyle Shewfelt.
Canada will have a strong team, even without the NCAA Champion from Penn State. Casey is certainly the favourite to repeat as All-around College Champion in 2009, his Senior year.
photo by Carrine Night
Casey Sandy photo on Pommels – Gymnastics Canada – Grace Chiu
Gymnastics Coaching.com 