USA Men’s Gymnastics Press Conference Quotes

August 6, 2008

Coach Kevin Mazeika (Houston, Tex.)
Q: How is the team training and the outlook?
"Thus far everything in Beijing has been outstanding. Training has been going extremely well. We're on track to reach our goals in Beijing."

Q: When will you determine your lineup?
"The coaching staff will meet right after this and finalize our lineup, which is due Friday."

Q: What are your goals for this Olympic Games?
"Right on we turn our focus to performance goals. Our No. 1 goal is consistent gymnastics. We have a strong consistent team. We are a medal contending team."


Morgan Hamm (Waukesha, Wis.)
Q: Is there any awkwardness being here without your brother Paul?
"It's a little bit awkward. After my injury with my chest, I didn't know if I could get back in time. I ended up making the Olympic team and that's great. Paul got hurt just after the U.S. Championships and he didn't have time to come back. I would love to have him here, but I'm really excited about this team."

Q: Has the team's expectations c hanged not having your brother here?
"The expectations haven't changed. Our goal is to get on the medal podium. We have great replacements."

Q: Are you comfortable being the face of the team?
"I don't feel as if I'm the face of this team. Everyone here brings something different. We have some great skills and some great competitors. We can compete with any country out there."


Jonathon Horton (Houston, Tex.)
Q: Are you getting used to the equipment here?
"I liked the floor. It really was bouncy. I had a little trouble on one pass. It's going to take a couple more days, but everybody is going to be prepared to put our best gymnastics out there when we need to."


Justin Spring (Burke, Va.)
Q: Are you getting used to the equipment here?
"The floor takes some getting used to. I felt more confident after my workout today. We come here early to get used to the equipment. We'll be able to adjust."


Raj Bhavsar (Houston, Tex.)
Q: What's it like for you to be sitting here and talking to us today?
"Ever since I made the decision to come back after 2004, my goal has been to get here. Sometimes we don't know how these things are going to play out. I'm excited to compete with these guys."