Artemev replaces Morgan Hamm on US team

[August 08, 2008]  BEIJING (AP) -- Sasha Artemev will replace injured Morgan Hamm on the U.S. men's gymnastics team.

The 22-year-old Artemev was chosen Thursday for the squad hours after Hamm withdrew because of a left ankle injury. Artemev is the second alternate to be put on the team. Raj Bhavsar replaced Morgan Hamm's twin brother, Paul, last week.

Artemev, the 2006 national champion, was the bronze medalist on pommel horse at the 2006 world championships, but struggled with consistency at nationals and the Olympic trials, where he botched three of four routines. He was chosen over David Durante as Hamm's replacement and already was training in Beijing.

[Associated Press]

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