Gymnastics: UCLA gymnasts compete for spots on U.S. Olympic team

If one word could describe the talent of the 12 gymnasts
contending for the six spots on the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team,
it would be “deep.”

The gymnasts vying for a spot on the 2004 Olympic team make up
the most talented selection group from which the United States ever
has drawn.

A deep squad may be good for the United States’ chances
for a gold medal, but it means the competition to make the Olympic
team for incoming UCLA freshman Tasha Schwikert and former Bruin
Mohini Bhardwaj is that much more fierce.

Schwikert, who was part of the U.S. Olympic team in 2000, placed
eighth at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Anaheim on June 27 with
an all-around score of 74.125.

But all was not lost for the future Bruin. Though only the top
two gymnasts at the trials, Courtney Kupets and Courtney McCool,
received guaranteed spots on the Olympic team, Schwikert was
invited to the Olympic training camp, where the remaining four
gymnasts of the six-person Olympic team will be chosen.  

Though it always was her dream to go to UCLA, Schwikert is
focused on punching her ticket to Athens.

“I’m focused on this right now, but as soon as
it’s over “¦ I mean, I’ve wanted to be a Bruin for
so long,” Schwikert said.

Though Schwikert’s return from a serious injury to
dominate the gymnastics landscape is a triumphant tale, the true
Cinderella story in Anaheim belonged to Bhardwaj, who graduated
from UCLA in 2004.

At 25 years old, Bhardwaj finished sixth in the women’s
all-around with a score of 74.750. Though she was much older than
most of her competitors, the age difference didn’t faze her
one bit.

“Gymnastics, for me, is, at this point, much more mental
than physical,” Bhardwaj said. “And I feel like I
am a lot stronger mentally now than I was then (when
younger).”

“I think I showed USA Gymnastics that older women can
train and compete with younger athletes. I definitely felt I have
made an impact in the sport.”

The road to the Olympics has been an uncertain one for Bhardwaj
““ and certainly an interesting one.

She began training in July but was struggling to finance her
training until Pamela Anderson, former Baywatch actress, heard
Bhardwaj’s story and was moved by it.

Anderson gave Bhardwaj $20,000 and attended the competition both
nights to cheer Bhardwaj on, sporting a sign that read, “Go,
Mo.”

And go was exactly what Bhardwaj did, earning an invitation to
the Olympic training camp, where she will have a chance to fight
for one of the team’s four remaining spots.

Bhardwaj said she would be happy whether or not she makes the
Olympic team.

“Regardless of what happens, I will be able to look back
with a clear conscience,” Bhardwaj said. “I am addicted
to the pursuit of an Olympic dream.”

Bhardwaj’s coach Chris Waller quoted UCLA gymnastics coach
Valorie Kondos Field in what may best sum up Bhardwaj’s
Olympic pursuit.

“No outs, no doubts, no excuses,” Waller said.

And also, for Bhardwaj, no regrets.

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