Tonight is the big night for Sasha Artemev, who will compete in the Men’s Olympic Gymnastics Event Finals for Team USA.  Ten days ago, Sasha was an alternate, doing his part with David Durante, working out in case their services were needed.  Lo and behold, Sasha’s number was called after Morgan Hamm unfortunately called it quits.

Artemev had no time for any anxieties, stepped forward, and delivered.  He not only qualified for the All-Around Finals, he also qualified for the Event Finals on his best event, pommel horse.  In both the Team Finals and All-Around Finals, he posted the second highest scores on the horse.

Ironically, it was his inconsistency on pommel horse at the VISA Nationals and the Olympic Trials that kept him off the Olympic team.  Yet once his shoulder was tapped, it was his performance on pommel, his lone appearance of the night at the Team Finals, that clinched the bronze medal for Team USA.  So far, he is 3 for 3.  If he goes 4 for 4, he will win another medal.