Ankle rehab holds back Memmel
HUNTSVILLE, Texas -- Olympic team silver medalist Chellsie Memmel withdrew from the final selection process for the U.S. women's team for the 2009 world gymnastics championships.
Memmel, the 2005 world champion, is coming back from ankle surgery performed late last year. She was part of the U.S. team that finished second to China at the Beijing Olympics.
The world championships will be held Oct. 13-15 in London.
"I have run out of time, and I am not quite where I want to be gymnastics-wise," said Memmel, who is coached by her father, Andy. "I haven't been able to do the number of routines and repetitions that I need to represent the USA at the highest level. Also, I thought this would make it easier for Martha [Karolyi, coordinator of the women's team] and the selection committee in naming the team, because we have so many talented gymnasts who deserve the chance to go to London.
"My dad and I met with Martha, and she is very supportive of this decision," Memmel said. "I am going home and will spend the time getting my routines ready for next year."
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
