Bad news has just been received from Indianapolis. Paul Hamm has officially withdrawn from the U.S. Men’s Olympic Team. This is a shame and will greatly affect Team USA’s chances to medal in the team all-around competition. Apparently, Hamm has strained his rotator cuff and has been struggling with pain ever since his doctor cleared him to resume gymnastics training.

Speculation is now on who will replace Hamm on the team. The three alternates vying for that coveted spot are Rav Bhavsar, David Durante and Sasha Artemev. Bhavsar just missed, by less than a point, a guaranteed spot on the team, at the Olympic Trials. Logic may dictate that he will get the spot, but we’ll have to wait until the Olympic Selection Committee makes their decision.

Also looming is whether or not Morgan Hamm will be going to Beijing. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) still hasn’t decided if they will challenge the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s warning they gave Hamm, after testing positive for glucocorticosteroid. That decision is scheduled to be made today. The team is scheduled to depart for Beijing tomorrow.

We remain very sorry Paul Hamm will not be competing. We can’t help but feel pride for him as he made a very selfless, gutsy move in stepping down. This is truly a loss to the team and his fans and we wish him well.

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