Solid landing for Memmel

Time is always of the essence in women's gymnastics, which explains why medical science has been brought to bear on the fractured first metatarsal in Chellsie Memmel's left foot. Bone and muscle stimulators. Calcium pills. A pair of Milwaukee-based doctors. A physical therapist. Carefully monitored workouts designed to preserve as much strength and flexibility as possible. "Right after I found out it was broken, I didn't even want to go into the gym to see my friends being able to work out," said Memmel, who broke her foot April 8 as she slipped off the balance beam. "But once it sunk in, I knew I'd have to do everything I can if I wanted to come back."

As she listed a daily fitness regimen that included sessions on a stationary bike, leg lifts and extensions, rope climbing and giant swings on the uneven bars, it was easy to forget that a purple cast covered her left foot and ankle a month ago. The curly, silver writing on it served as a reminder that Memmel turns 16 June 23. Her determination and devotion to gymnastics belie her youth, as is the case for many of the young women Memmel expects to compete against in Athens.

Because of that determination and devotion, Memmel has not even considered a summer without the Olympics. The cast came off in late May, allowing her to begin light full-body workouts. When asked about competing in the US trials in Anaheim, Calif., June 24-27, she said, "It's tight, but it's a possibility."

But given USA Gymnastics's selection process -- based on performances in national and international competitions and training camps -- Memmel has all but secured a spot on the team headed to Athens. She must file a petition, perform well enough at the pre-Olympic selection camp July 13-18, and be fit enough to compete in all four events (bars, beam, floor, and vault) once Olympic competition starts Aug. 15.

Between her efforts and those of her medical team and coaches, Memmel doesn't doubt she will be ready to help the US in its quest for gold.

"I'm very confident I'll be ready for the Olympics," she said. "We're doing everything we can."

If anyone understands the importance of timing, it is Memmel. She went to the 2003 World Championships last August in Anaheim as an alternate but was called on to compete after three teammates went down with injuries or illness. Memmel made the most of it and left a big impression on national team coordinator Martha Karolyi. Earning the highest all-around marks of any US gymnast in the team finals, Memmel helped the US win gold. Individually, Memmel and teammate Hollie Vise were co-champions in the uneven bars.

"It gives me confidence," said Memmel. "I hope it gives everyone else confidence in knowing that we're a really strong team. I think what we did at Worlds could happen again [at the Olympics]."

With that goal in mind, Memmel has gradually returned to her training routine back in her hometown of West Allis, Wis. She works out six days a week at Salto Gym under the eye of coach Jim Chudy. If she needs extra advice, Memmel can turn to her parents, Andrew and Jeanelle, who both earned All-America honors as college gymnasts and own a Milwaukee-area gym. Memmel says she started in gymnastics as a 1-year-old at her parents' facility.

"My parents never pushed me, but it just happened that I loved the gym," said Memmel. "They just wanted to be my parents and just support me and not have to coach me. They've been to all the national and international competitions I've had."

With the next couple of months to determine whether Memmel will be ready for Athens, she will take all the help and support that is available.

When asked what she learned about herself from the 2003 World Championships and her recent injury, she hesitated before regaining her competitive focus.

"I don't know," said Memmel. "I'm still trying to figure out that. I just know that I like competing for the US. It's a great opportunity for me. And I always hope that I can do the best for the team."