Gymnastics trials: Worley is ready

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PHILADELPHIA -- Shayla Worley, who was on the 2007 U.S. world championship team, dropped out of the nationals in Boston two weeks ago because of a bad back.

But Worley’s coach, Jeff Wood, said Wednesday that the young gymnast would participate in all four women’s events when the Olympic trials get going on Friday: the uneven bars, floor exercise, vault and balance beam.

U.S. team coordinator Martha Karolyi will be closely watching Worley’s uneven bars routine. The U.S. is weak on the event and Worley has a strong bars routine.

And let’s not forget that Worley earned a spot on last year’s national team because of her bar work and absence in an Olympic year does not make Karolyi’s heart grow fonder.

If Worley’s back holds up, the team could use her. She was part of last year’s world champion gold medal team and finished second at last year’s national championships.

-- Diane Pucin