Hamm hoping injury won’t deter Olympic dreams

HOUSTON (AP) — Paul Hamm does some of his best work when he’s faced with a challenge.

He sure has one now.

The reigning Olympic champion learned Friday he has a broken bone in his right hand. The injury will take at least four weeks to heal and will force him out of next month’s Olympic trials, but it should not keep him off the U.S. team for Beijing.

Hamm can petition for a spot on the Olympic team and USA Gymnastics would be almost sure to grant it, provided he’s healthy. The men’s competition in Beijing begins Aug. 9, 11 weeks from Saturday.

“There’s enough time,” said Dennis McIntyre, men’s program director for USA Gymnastics. “And I wouldn’t count that guy out, no matter what.”

Hamm, and Ohio State University graduate, will return to Columbus on Sunday, and will meet early next week with hand specialists in Columbus, Indianapolis and Baltimore, said his coach, Miles Avery.

Though putting the hand in a cast is one treatment option, Avery said Hamm will have surgery, where a plate and/or pins or screws will be inserted.