BEIJING — Alexander “Sasha” Artemev of Highlands Ranch was named to the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team Thursday after Morgan Hamm withdrew because of chronic ankle pain.
Artemev was one of three alternates named when the six-man Olympic team was chosen in June. He was passed over last week when Hamm’s twin, Paul, withdrew because of a shoulder injury, but this time he got the call. David Durante, a New Jersey native who has lived at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs the past four years, was passed over for a second time.
The loss of the Hamms means the men’s team has no one with previous Olympic experience. The Hamms were two-time Olympians.
“It’s an honor to be on this team, but it’s a shame that it had to happen this way with Morgan getting hurt,” Artemev said. “He’s a tremendous loss to this team. I’m ready to step in because that was my job as an alternate. It’s a tough position to be in, but Dave and I worked really hard. We pushed each other because we have to stay in shape. I’ll definitely be ready on time. It’s just an honor to be on this team and to be chosen.”
Hamm has bone spurs on an ankle bone that irritate his tibia, a problem he has been battling for a year. An awkward fall during training here made it worse. Hamm had a cortisone shot, but it didn’t help.
“This has been an extremely hard decision for me to make,” Hamm said. “I’ve given everything I can to be ready to compete at this Olympic Games. I put my heart and soul into gymnastics. To get here and be unable to perform because of an injury is extremely disappointing, but I’m a team player and I’m here to do whatever I can for this team.”
USA Gymnastics hoped the Hamm twins could lead the team to a medal in the team competition here. Now the Hamms’ careers are finished.
“The process of me stepping aside is really a team decision,” Hamm said. “It’s everyone collectively going through this, putting up their gymnastics and seeing who’s good enough to compete. I wasn’t able to do that. These guys can go out there and get a medal, compete with anybody else in the world. I really believe they’re going to show the heart of America here in Beijing.”
