“Since the Olympics, retiring has crossed my mind off and on even though I had an unbelievable motivation to come back, improve and maybe get a medal,” said McClure, who recently married 1996 Olympic gold-medalist Jaycie Phelps. “The last couple of years have been tough, coming back from injuries, and I always want to go out and do better than before. I think the time is right for me to give my body a chance to heal. While one chapter of my life is finishing, another chapter is just beginning and getting better. I recently got married, and I want to spend more time with my family. I also have a great job opportunity, which I cannot address at this point, but is a good next step for me. My wife and family are behind me 100 percent. All of the pieces of the puzzle have fallen in place for me and made a great career.”
Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics, said, “On behalf of USA Gymnastics, I want to wish him the best on his new opportunities and to thank him for his dedication and long-time commitment to gymnastics. Brett has been an important part of the men’s program’s success since 2000. He was a member of every team that won an international medal in the last quadrennium. His ability on all six apparatus and his willingness to do whatever is asked are just some of the things that have made him such a valuable asset. We hate to see him leave the competitive arena because he is still one of the best gymnasts in the world.”
Brett McClure at a glance
2004 Olympic silver-medal team
2004 U.S. pommel horse champion, all-around silver medalist
2003 World Artistic Championships Team silver medalist
2002 Individual Event World Championships Team member
2001 World Artistic Championships Team silver medalist
2001 Goodwill Games pommel horse bronze medalist
Hometown: Mill Creek, Wash.
Residence: Colorado Springs, Colo.
Birth Date/Place: Feb. 19, 1981; Yakima, Wash.
Club: Team Chevron
Trains: U.S. Olympic Training Center
Coach: Vitaly Marinitch
Began Gymnastics: 1990
Years on Jr. National Team: 5 (1994-99)
Years on Sr. National Team: 7 1/2 (1999-05, Fall ’05, 2006)
Competition highlights
2006
Winter Cup, Las Vegas: 4T, AA; 2, HB
2004