Focus on Lifestyle & Entertainment
Aug 15 2008
Written by Will Mandeville, Scottsdale, AZ
Following the BLUR of U.S. Gymnastics
The U.S. Men’s Olympic Gymnastics Team surprised many by taking the Bronze Medal in the team final. After two of their most prolific athletes and leaders were forced to withdraw at the last minute, nobody gave them much of a chance. It was a testament to their character and their collective will.
The exodus of the Hamm brothers due to injuries took away what many perceived as the team’s leadership and experience. What it produced, though, was a team that is a true reflection of the multiculturalism of the United States. This is one among several truly inspiring stories that are developing around these Olympics.
Just looking at the reconfigured Team USA is to look at a mosaic. In addition to Joseph Hager, Jonathan Horton and Justin Spring, the team in Beijing is made up of Alexander “Sasha” Artemev, Raj Bhavsar, Kevin Tan and David Durante. A true BLUR of cultures.
Artemev is the son of a former Soviet gymnast who immigrated to the United States in 1994. He gained his U.S. Citizenship in 2002. Artemev was called up to the roster when Morgan Hamm became unable to compete. Often recognized for his talent, but criticized for his inconsistency, it was Artemev’s performance on the pommel horse that sealed the deal for the U.S.
Kevin Tan is from California. He is a Penn State alumnus, former All American and has coached at PSU as well. Tan, who is of Chinese heritage, is visiting China for the first time as an Olympian, with his father, brother and girlfriend in tow. Kevin’s dad emigrated to the U.S. from China, via Taiwan, with his late mother. Their first family visit back to China will bring home a well-earned and unique souvenir.
Raj Bhavsar is Indo-American. Having been named as an alternate to the team on two occasions, in 2004 and 2008, Bhavsar had almost given up on realizing his Olympic dream. He was called to duty 16 days prior to leaving for Beijing to fill Paul Hamm’s place on the team. Bhavsar delivered as one of the more consistent performers during the team competition. His compact and powerful performance was exciting to watch across the board.
David Durante acts as the only remaining alternate for the team in Beijing. He is a Stanford University graduate who carries dual U.S.-Italian citizenship. Durante won silver in the team competition in 2004 in Athens and the national all-around title at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in 2007. His role in Beijing has been to provide extraordinary moral support to the team from the sidelines, a role which he has embraced completely.
While Horton and Artemev placed 9th and 12th respectively in the men’s all-around, the team demonstrated its true make-up through the team competition.
The fact that diversity played a key role in that makes the U.S. team story even more interesting. We can be proud that the U.S. shows its true “colors” to the rest of the world (as a cultural BLUR) through athletics and otherwise.
The U.S. Men’s Olympic Gymnastics Team surprised many by taking the Bronze Medal in the team final. After two of their most prolific athletes and leaders were forced to withdraw at the last minute, nobody gave them much of a chance. It was a testament to their character and their collective will.
The exodus of the Hamm brothers due to injuries took away what many perceived as the team’s leadership and experience. What it produced, though, was a team that is a true reflection of the multiculturalism of the United States. This is one among several truly inspiring stories that are developing around these Olympics.
Just looking at the reconfigured Team USA is to look at a mosaic. In addition to Joseph Hager, Jonathan Horton and Justin Spring, the team in Beijing is made up of Alexander “Sasha” Artemev, Raj Bhavsar, Kevin Tan and David Durante. A true BLUR of cultures.
Artemev is the son of a former Soviet gymnast who immigrated to the United States in 1994. He gained his U.S. Citizenship in 2002. Artemev was called up to the roster when Morgan Hamm became unable to compete. Often recognized for his talent, but criticized for his inconsistency, it was Artemev’s performance on the pommel horse that sealed the deal for the U.S.
Kevin Tan is from California. He is a Penn State alumnus, former All American and has coached at PSU as well. Tan, who is of Chinese heritage, is visiting China for the first time as an Olympian, with his father, brother and girlfriend in tow. Kevin’s dad emigrated to the U.S. from China, via Taiwan, with his late mother. Their first family visit back to China will bring home a well-earned and unique souvenir.
Raj Bhavsar is Indo-American. Having been named as an alternate to the team on two occasions, in 2004 and 2008, Bhavsar had almost given up on realizing his Olympic dream. He was called to duty 16 days prior to leaving for Beijing to fill Paul Hamm’s place on the team. Bhavsar delivered as one of the more consistent performers during the team competition. His compact and powerful performance was exciting to watch across the board.
David Durante acts as the only remaining alternate for the team in Beijing. He is a Stanford University graduate who carries dual U.S.-Italian citizenship. Durante won silver in the team competition in 2004 in Athens and the national all-around title at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in 2007. His role in Beijing has been to provide extraordinary moral support to the team from the sidelines, a role which he has embraced completely.
While Horton and Artemev placed 9th and 12th respectively in the men’s all-around, the team demonstrated its true make-up through the team competition.
The fact that diversity played a key role in that makes the U.S. team story even more interesting. We can be proud that the U.S. shows its true “colors” to the rest of the world (as a cultural BLUR) through athletics and otherwise.
|
Displaying Page 1 of 1 |
Events Calendar
View All| November 2008 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 |
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
| 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
| 30 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Archives
Monthly Archives
Complete Archives
Category Archives
Ask BLUR
How many languages do you or your family speak at home?
Did You Know?
The 2000 Census was the first ever to allow respondents to select more than one ethnic background.
Stay in the Know
Receive the latest stories and info from BLURdigital
2 Comments
Aug 19 2008
Written by Memo61, San Antonio, TX
I’ve been pretty drawn in by this whole Olympics. There are a bunch of great stories including this one. The Jamaican sprinters are another. What are they, 18 or so?
Aug 20 2008
Written by Will Mandeville, Scottsdale, AZ
That was very cool. I think both Shelly-Ann Fraser and Usain Bolt are 21. Did you see her celebration and hear her interviews. Lots of energy and personality.