Olympic dreams

Despite comeback, Toman misses cut

By Rohit Bhave

Daily Sports Writer

Despite beginning the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials mired in 14th place, Michigan senior Justin Toman clawed his way into the mix with excellent performances on the parallel bars and the still rings. When it was all over, Toman missed making the six-man roster, placing ninth overall.

The standings were determined by weighing performance from the pre-qualifying John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships 40 percent, and weighing performance at the Olympic Trials 60 percent. The top four were given automatic bids, and the remaining two spots were picked by coaches.

Toman's bid for the Olympic squad began at the qualifying meet for the trials, the John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships at the Kiel Center, St. Louis. While he struggled, the Michigan captain managed to land the final trials roster spot at 14th place.

Toman's promising Michigan teammates Kris Zimmerman, Brad Kenna and Scott Vetere could not say the same thing, finishing 20th, 17th and 15th respectively.

At the Fleet Center, Toman hit all twelve routines. While he hit every event, his injured knee limited his floor and vault routines, thus lowering his potential score on the event.

At the highest level of gymnastics competition in the country, Toman won the parallel bars with a 9.775, beating out five-time U.S. Champion Blain Wilson. He also took fourth in the still rings with a solid 9.65. By performing well at the trials, Toman garnered consideration for the final two additions the roster despite his low overall score.

The last two spots were reserved for gymnasts who could balance the weaknesses of the top four - they did not have to necessarily finish in the top six.

"Many observers were commenting on how I had a chance to make those final two spots ... my name was included with John Roethlisberger, Jamie Natalie, and Morgan Hamm," Toman said. "However, I knew it would still be a longshot."

Despite not making the squad for Sydney, Toman found the trials to be a rewarding experience. Most notably, he re-discovered how to compete at big meets.

"Previously, I have been very inconsistent in high pressure situations. This time, I hit all twelve routines, and I really enjoyed competing, and took in a great experience," Toman said.

The experience of the trials included police escorts throughout the city of Boston, and tremendous hospitality throughout the event.

"Just to be part of (the Olympic Trials process) was special," Toman said.

The 2000 Olympic Trials did not end Toman's quest for Olympic glory. Rather, it marks a stepping stone for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

Though he enjoyed the Trials process, Toman does admit to having difficulty watching Olympic promotions and commercials.

"Everytime I see a commercial or something (associated with the Olympics), I try to change the change the channel or something. It is definitely hard to watch. But I will watch the Olympics, and I wish the team all the best," Toman said.

Entering his senior year at Michigan, Toman might be facing a medical redshirt situation. His knee, wrapped in a brace since March of last year, needed surgery to repair the torn ACL and meniscal tears. Last week, Toman was operated on by Dr. Wojtys. Currently, prospects for competing in the 2001 season are up in the air.

FILE PHOTO

Senior Justin Toman climbed from 14th place to 9th place after the Olympic Trials, but failed to make the games in Sydney. Toman also injured his knee at the competition, and his senior year is in jeopardy.