Artemev replaces Hamm on gymnastics team

Alexander Artemev, one of the two remaining alternates, has replaced Morgan Hamm on the US Olympic gymnastics team. Artemev, who has a chance to win a medal on pommel horse, the squad's weakest event, was chosen over David Durante to replace Hamm, who withdrew today after re-injuring an ankle.

"It's an honor to be on this team, but it's a shame that it had to happen this way with Morgan getting hurt," said the 22-year-old Artemev, a former US all-around champion. "He's a tremendous loss to this team."

Artemev, who was born in Belarus, is the son of Vladimir Artemev, a former Soviet all-around champion. He became a citizen in 2002.