Despite beating a potential doping charge just last week, Morgan Hamm will still not be competing in the Olympic Games. Just a week after his twin brother, Paul, announced that he would not be competing because of a hand injury, Morgan has now withdrawn due to an ankle injury.
Hamm’s announcement deals yet another blow to the United States’ dwindling chances of making a return to the team medal podium.
According to reports, Hamm first injured the ankle last August and has struggled with its healing ever since. In his statement he said that while it was one of the most difficult decisions he’s had to make, his landings on both the floor and the vault have not been up to par.
After meeting Thursday, USA Gymnastics named Alexander Artemev as Hamm’s replacement. The choice was made between Artemev and David Durante as Raj Bhavsar, the original third alternate, had already been placed on the squad as a replacement for Paul Hamm when he withdrew.
With both Hamms on the side it means the U.S. now does not have a team member that has previously participated in the Olympics.
The men’s gymnastics competition begins this Saturday in Beijing.
