U.S. women share thoughts on preparing for 2008 in “Behind the Team”

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Dec. 14, 2007— Fans hear how the U.S. women plan to stay on top in 2008 in the newest episode of “USA Gymnastics:  Behind the Team,” the online series available only on the AT&T blue room Team USA site (www.attblueroom.com/teamusa). The world champions say the upcoming year will be a mix of nerves, excitement and hard work as they prepare for their ultimate goal: the Olympic Games.

Some of the top gymnasts who share their thoughts on the upcoming Olympic year are: Ivana Hong of Blue Springs, Mo.; Shawn Johnson of West Des Moines, Iowa; Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas; Samantha Peszek of Indianapolis, Ind.; Alicia Sacramone of Winchester, Mass.; Bridget Sloan of Pittsboro, Ind.; and Shayla Worley of Orlando, Fla. All seven were members of the U.S. Women’s Team that won the 2007 world team gold medal.

“USA Gymnastics:  Behind the Team” is a joint initiative of USA Gymnastics and AT&T.

Visitors to the AT&T blue room Team USA site can sign up to receive e-mail alerts when new “Behind the Team” episodes are launched. Visitors can also download a free, customizable USA Gymnastics Desktop Communicator. The Communicator includes an RSS news feed, alerts users to breaking gymnastics news, runs a countdown to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, displays weather information for selected ZIP codes and showcases special promotions and offers.

The AT&T blue room Team USA site gives sports fans intimate access to U.S. Olympic Team hopefuls across a range of sports.  AT&T is an official partner of USA Gymnastics.

Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. Its mission is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in the sport. Its disciplines include men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, and acrobatic gymnastics. For more information, log on to www.usa-gymnastics.org.

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