Guard Young Named Alternate On USA Gymnastics Team

Oct. 14, 2002

NORMAN, Okla. - Guard Young has been a member of the Oklahoma men's gymnastics coaching staff for three years and has trained entensively since college in hopes of making the Olympic team in 2004. Saturday, Young competed in USA World Championship Selection Meet held at the U.S. Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. and was named as an alternate to the 2002 team.

"It wasn't a perfect meet for me and I wish I could've done a bit better, " said Young. "I added a few news tricks to my routines and performed them well. I am excited and honored to be a part of the team in this capacity."

The committee only selected individual competitors, as opposed to all-arounders because this year's World Championships will only feature event finals, no team or all-around competition.

"I am a little dissapointed that Guard did not make the team," said OU Head Coach Mark Williams, who also serves as Young's personal coach. "His performance was excellent. Unfortunately the logistics of the selection process hurt his chances of making the team."

Young will travel with the USA squad to the Chinichi Cup in Nagano, Japan this Dec. and compete as an all-arounder. Williams was named as head coach of the U.S. contigent, in what he called, "a very prestigious and competitive meet."

Young will not travel with the USA team to Decrebon, Hungary, for the Nov. 20-24 World Championships unless an injury occurs prior to the team's departure. Morgan Hamm, a 2000 Olympian, was named to the squad on the floor excercise but is currently battling injuries to both ankles. Hamm has two weeks to complete a sufficient floor routine for the commitee. If he cannot, Young will likely be his replacement on the floor excercise.

"It was great to see what the rest of the national team was doing skill wise," said Young. "Coach Williams, Coach (Xiao) Yuan and I have always tried to help our athletes move up to the international level. We really feel that is our responsibility as coaches. I personally, brought back a ton of information that will help them in their collegiate and international meets."

For more information on the world championships and USA Gymnastics, visit www.usa-gymnastics.org.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Guard Young Named Alternate On USA Gymnastics Team

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