© VMinkus
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Jan. 29, 2008—2007 U.S. all-around champion David Durante of Garwood, N.J., 2004 Olympic all-around champion Paul Hamm of Waukesha, Wis., and 2006-07 Tyson American Cup champion Jonathan Horton of Houston, who finished fourth in the all-around at the 2007 World Championships, are among the 13 members of the current U.S. Men’s Senior National Team scheduled to compete in the 2008 Winter Cup Challenge, Feb. 7 and 9, at the Las Vegas Sports Center in Las Vegas, Nev.
“The Winter Cup Challenge is an important start to the Olympic year for the men,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “This competition features the true variety of talent in the United States. The mixture of returning Olympians, established veterans, and aspiring young athletes will create an exciting event.”
The Winter Cup Challenge will be the first all-around competition for Hamm since winning the Olympic title in 2004. Three-time Olympian and 2004 Olympic team silver-medalist Blaine Wilson of Columbus, Ohio, also is scheduled to compete in his first competition since the 2004 Olympic Games.
Fourteen athletes from the U.S. Men’s Junior National Team also will participate in the event. The Winter Cup serves as a re-ranking competition for the senior men’s team. Based on performances at the Winter Cup Challenge, seven gymnasts will be named to the senior national team. The seven members of the 2007 World Championships Team, which placed fourth in the team standings, automatically retain their national team status.