Gymnastics Finalizes 2008 U.S. Olympic Team

HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS (July 20, 2008) USA Gymnastics yesterday announced the six women and three replacement athletes it will nominate to the U.S. Olympic Committee to comprise the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team for women’s gymnastics. Shawn Johnson of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas, were named to the team at the conclusion of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials on June 19-22 in Philadelphia, and the balance of the team was named tonight following the final selection camp at the Women’s National Team Training Center in Huntsville, Texas.

Joining Johnson and Liukin on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team for women’s gymnastics (pending USOC approval) are:

Chellsie Memmel, West Allis, Wis./M&M Gymnastics
Samantha Peszek, Indianapolis, Ind./DeVeau’s
Alicia Sacramone, Winchester, Mass./Brestyan’s
Bridget Sloan, Pittsboro, Ind./Sharp’s

The three replacement athletes are:

Jana Bieger, Coconut Creek, Fla./Bieger International Gymnastics
Ivana Hong, Blue Springs, Mo./GAGE
Corrie Lothrop, Gaithersburg, Md./Hill’s

“The U.S. Team has been assembled to give us our best chance for success in Beijing,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “This group of athletes has worked hard to position USA Gymnastics as a strong contender for medals.”