Pretty in Silver

On Tuesday the American men shocked the gymnastics world, winning an unexpected bronze medal in the team competition without the Hamm brothers. Wednesday night it was the American girls turn. Their expectations were far different however. The defending world champions came in to Beijing expecting a gold medal, but they fell short to the Chinese and had to accept a silver. The 2nd place finish was in large part because of two major mistakes by team captain Alicia Sacramone. At the start of her balance beam routine, her right foot did not land properly on the beam and she fell, causing huge deductions. Later in floor exercise on a tumbling pass, Sacramone fell again, leaving the Americans with little chance for a gold.

The Americans were at a disadvantage from the very start in these games, as team members Chelsea Memmel and Samantha Peszek were injured before the competition began, limiting their participation. Defending World all-around champion Shawn Johnson said the Americans were still proud of their silver medals and were not disappointed. The 16 year old cutie will compete in the individual all-around competition later this week, as will her teammate Nastia Liukin. Both will have a good chance to still bring home a gold for the Americans.

Beijing 2008: 6 names you'll know two weeks from now...

We all know about Michael Phelps, Kobe Bryant and Jennie Finch. They have proven their talent before in front of the world, but who are the future American stars? Who are the athletes that will shine during these 2008 Olympics? Who will etch their names next to the likes of Mark Spitz, Carl Lewis and Jesse Owens? Here is a list of 6 American athletes competing in the Olmypics this year that you may not know, however in a couple weeks, we think you will.

#6 Ben Askren, Freestyle Wrestling
Askren (pictured right) is a talented wrestler, winning two NCAA titles for Missouri in the 174 lb division in 2006 and 2007. Askren will be competing in the 164 lb weight division here at Beijing. He has never competed in a big international event before, but he oozes talent and has the confidence to go alogn with it. "I'm going to win a gold medal" he told the AP.


#5 Thomas Finchum, Platform Diving Finchum was named the 2007 American Diver of the year after racking up numerous medals at international events, including a bronze at the 2007 world championships. Finchum is only 18 years old and is looking like Americas best hope for a gold medal in Men's diving.


#4 Kate Zeigler, Swimming
Zeigler (pictured left) is the American Swimming newcomer to watch. The 20 year old from Virginia will be swimming in the 400 and 800 meter freestyle events. She is a nedal favorite in both, especially the 800. She holds the world record in the 1500 free, however it is not an Olympic event.


#3 Lolo Jones, Track and Field
Jones is the next great American sprinter, following in a long line of US medal success. Jones is a 3 time NCAA champion in the 100 meter hurdles and will be making her Olympic debut in Beijing. She is considered a favorite to win the Gold medal.


#2 Shawn Johnson, Gymnastics
Gymnasitcs, America's favorite Olmypic sport...... every 4 years a new hero is made, just ask Keri Strug, Paul Hamm and Shannon Miller. So this year, who will be America's sweetheart? Our guess is Shawn Johnson (pictured right), the talented young gymnast is considered a heavy favorite for the womens all-around gold medal.


#1 Tyson Gay, Track and Field
Who will be the fastest man in the world? That may depend on the health of Tyson Gay. The world-class American sprinter is battling a leg injury. however the sprinter says that won't keep him out of his first Olympics. The defending world champ will be the favorite in the 100 meters if he can get healthy on time.