INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., July 1, 2005 – Reigning world and Olympic all-around champion Paul Hamm and his twin brother, Olympic silver-medalist Morgan, both of Waukesha, Wis., have decided to take the next 18 months to focus on completing their educations. In early 2007, they will make a decision regarding efforts to qualify to compete in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Both brothers, 22, attend Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
Paul Hamm stated in a letter to USA Gymnastics, “To pursue my schooling with the same conviction and intensity with which I have given to gymnastics, I must temporarily set aside gymnastics in favor of schooling. I need to succeed in my undergraduate efforts well enough to qualify me to the graduate school and in the field of my choice. Early in 2007, I expect to make a decision regarding training for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.”
Morgan Hamm wrote in a letter to USA Gymnastics, “I have devoted the past six to seven years of my life to training and competing in gymnastics, representing the United States on the world stage. The intensity of this training has been at the expense of pursuing my educational goals. It is my intent for the next 18-24 months to concentrate on completing my undergraduate degree.”
Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics, said, “USA Gymnastics fully supports both Paul’s and Morgan’s desire to finish their education. Paul and Morgan represent two of the best gymnasts in the world and have achieved a tremendous amount in the past few years. Their dedication and accomplishments have been an integral part of the USA’s emergence as a powerhouse in men’s gymnastics. We applaud their determination to achieve similar success in their education, and we hope they will decide to mount a campaign to qualify and compete in their third Olympic Games.”
In 2000, Paul and Morgan were the first twins ever to compete in the same Olympic gymnastics competition. Four years later in Athens, the Hamm brothers played a significant role in the United States’ earning the team silver medal, the USA’s best finish since 1984.
Paul made gymnastics history by becoming the first U.S. gymnast to win the coveted Olympic and world all-around titles. He captured Americans’ hearts by winning not only the Olympic all-around title, but also the silver medal in both the high bar and team competitions in the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. He received the 2004 Sullivan Award, which recognizes the nation’s outstanding amateur athlete, earlier this year.