U.S. men’s gymnastics: The last cheerleader

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BEIJING -- David Durante sat in the stands cheering like crazy for his American gymnastics teammates but not hiding his sadness over being in the stands.

When the U.S. named its Olympic team in June, Durante was one of three alternates. The 28-year-old had said this would be his last competitive season and after being national all-around champion in 2007, being an Olympic alternate was not a triumph.

All three alternates, including Raj Bhavsar and Alexander Artemev, came to Beijing. Bhavsar was named as a replacement for Paul Hamm on July 28 and Wednesday night Artemev and Durante received phone calls in their rooms at 10 p.m. telling them Morgan Hamm was injured. The two were asked to come to the gym and perform floor exercise and pommel horse routines in front of the coaches.

Artemev was chosen for the team, making Durante the odd man out for the third time.

‘Not hearing your name called again and again, that’s been more emotionally draining for me than I thought. But I’m still working hard until Tuesday,’ Durante said.

If the U.S. suffers any other injuries before team finals, Durante could still end up on the floor.

Durante also said he was disappointed that Paul and Morgan Hamm weren’t in the National Indoor Stadium Saturday when the U.S. competed. ‘I thought they’d be here to support the team,’ Durante said.

When Morgan withdrew on Thursday, he said he planned to stay and that he thought Paul might also come from the United States to be in the stands but gymnastics officials said Morgan was on his way home Saturday.

-- Diane Pucin