U.S. gymnast Paul Hamm (with Morgan, half of the Hamm brothers) won’t be going to the Olympics to defend his all-around gold medal, thanks to a broken right hand and a rotator cuff injury. It’s always a shame to see nice guys – and in this case a gay-friendly athlete – unable to go in a big competition. The Hamms talked with me four years ago after their medal-winning performances. Paul said he would welcome an openly gay teammate:
“I would think of them the same way I think of all my teammates,” Paul said. He added that someone’s sexuality shouldn’t be a consideration for his teammates. “They should be thought of as athletes.”
I've got to think Paul is particularly disappointed, given the controversy (by no fault of his own) that erupted after he won the gold in 2004, and calls for him to give up his medal.
U.S. gymnast Paul Hamm (with Morgan, half of the Hamm brothers) won’t be going to the Olympics to defend his all-around gold medal, thanks to a broken right hand and a rotator cuff injury. It’s always a shame to see nice guys – and in this case a gay-friendly athlete – unable to go in a big competition. The Hamms talked with me four years ago after their medal-winning performances. Paul said he would welcome an openly gay teammate:
“I would think of them the same way I think of all my teammates,” Paul said. He added that someone’s sexuality shouldn’t be a consideration for his teammates. “They should be thought of as athletes.”
I've got to think Paul is particularly disappointed, given the controversy (by no fault of his own) that erupted after he won the gold in 2004, and calls for him to give up his medal.
