Men's Nationals Start Today
Thursday May 22, 2008
Trampoline isn't the only one holding national championships this weekend. Men's artistic gymnastics will also crown a national champ, and 14 men will qualify to the Olympic Trials at the end of June.
Most fans and experts feel that reigning Olympic gold medalist Paul Hamm will easily win this one. Others competing are Paul's twin brother and two-time Olympian Morgan Hamm, 2006 & 2007 American Cup winner Jonathan Horton, defending national champion Dave Durante, and five-time US champion Blaine Wilson, who announced a comeback earlier on this year.
Though Wilson is most likely not in contention for the top all-around spot, his bid for a fourth Olympic team will be interesting to watch. If he can prove very valuable on just a few events, he may well sneak onto the team. In the Olympic team finals only three athletes compete on each apparatus, so a few excellent specialists can make all the difference.
More info on the competition can be found on USA Gymnastics' website.
Most fans and experts feel that reigning Olympic gold medalist Paul Hamm will easily win this one. Others competing are Paul's twin brother and two-time Olympian Morgan Hamm, 2006 & 2007 American Cup winner Jonathan Horton, defending national champion Dave Durante, and five-time US champion Blaine Wilson, who announced a comeback earlier on this year.
 Blaine Wilson Photo © Brian Bahr / Getty Images |
Though Wilson is most likely not in contention for the top all-around spot, his bid for a fourth Olympic team will be interesting to watch. If he can prove very valuable on just a few events, he may well sneak onto the team. In the Olympic team finals only three athletes compete on each apparatus, so a few excellent specialists can make all the difference.
More info on the competition can be found on USA Gymnastics' website.
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