Paul Hamm Withdraws from Olympic Team
Monday July 28, 2008
 Paul Hamm Photo © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images |
Hamm said in the statement, "After returning home from the preparation camp, I had a few physical setbacks, and it became clear to me that my physical preparations would not be sufficient to properly represent the United States and contribute to the team’s efforts to win a medal. I recently strained my rotator cuff and have been unable to perform all of my skills."
This is shocking, because just last week national team coordinator Ron Brant said that Hamm was at 80 percent of a full recovery, and that the US would be able to use him on several events in Beijing, even if he wasn't in top all-around shape.
What a blow for team USA -- and I wonder which alternate will be asked to fill in? It could be Sasha Artemev, to help the team's weakness on pommel horse.
The team is slated to leave for Beijing on Wednesday.
Comments
Wow! What a shock. And disappointment.
That sucks! I was looking forward to seeing how well he would do. I have a hunch his mental toughness would win out.
I am proud of paul Hamm for thinking of the good of the team and not just himself. He is an honerable young man.