Guard Young Competes In France

NORMAN, Okla. University of Oklahoma men's gymnastics assistant coach Guard Young is once again competing on the international scene, this time in Lyon, France. That is the site of the 13th Annual French International, a FIG World Cup Event, where some of the world's best are competing to potentially position themselves on their respective olympic teams this summer. The competition takes place on March 13 and 14.

The last time Young competed was at the 2004 Winter Cup held in Las Vegas last month, where he was impressive finishing 10th in the all-around and second on the vault. Young was chosen by the men's program committee based on schedule availability and what was most beneficial to him in preparation for the Olympic trials.

“Guard is being looked at for the Olympics and his better events are the floor, rings and vault and that is what he will be competing in this meet,” said Oklahoma head coach Mark Williams. “If he can do well on the international level this weekend it will certainly help his cause to make the Olympics in the summer. He was a silver medalist on the floor in last year's competition, so he has had success here before.

Its important to be known by the international judges and Team U.S.A. wants to put themselves in a position to medal at this years' Olympics and Guard is working to be a part of it.”

Also competing for Team U.S.A. is Paul Hamm, who became the first American to win the gold medal in the all-around when he did so at the last World Championships. Also in action is Stanford senior Dan Gill, who ranks among the NCAA's best in the all-around this season.

“I am doing my three strong events, and this is a real tough competition with 50-60 athletes on each event,” said Young. “It is a strenuous competition because it takes all day long to finish. You go in the morning warm up, do one event and then sit for a couple hours before the next time you compete. The top eight make it to the finals the next day and that is what I am aiming for. Then of course I am potentially looking to medal (top 3).”

To make the Olympic team you really have to show that you are the one of the top three out there in three events, so I am trying to set that standard. Last year, I finished high on the rings, I think 11th, and qualified on the floor finishing second. Also last year I was attempting a new and difficult vault and landed short. I am going to try and do that same vault and if I land that along with my other events, I believe I can make it into the finals on Sunday in more than one event.”

Day One Results | Day Two Results

Stay tuned to www.SoonerSports.com for more information on the men's gymnastics team.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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