U.S. Olympic gymnast Paul Hamm announced his retirement yesterday, as he tried to make it back to the Olympics for the first time since 2004; He missed 2008 with an injury. Hamm said his body, at 29 years old, simply couldn’t handle the rigors of training, and that he faced more injuries.

I talked to Paul Hamm and his brother, Morgan, once before. In 2004, after Paul won the Olympic all-around gold, I had been snubbed by their publicist for an interview. Though the publicist said it wasn't because I was from a gay publication, his reasoning and explanations defy the facts; Plus, he simply lied to me more than once about why I couldn't talk with the gymnasts. When you let every other person talk to your clients, except for the gay publication, it certainly sounds suspicious.

U.S. Olympic gymnast Paul Hamm announced his retirement yesterday, as he tried to make it back to the Olympics for the first time since 2004; He missed 2008 with an injury. Hamm said his body, at 29 years old, simply couldn’t handle the rigors of training, and that he faced more injuries.

I talked to Paul Hamm and his brother, Morgan, once before. In 2004, after Paul won the Olympic all-around gold, I had been snubbed by their publicist for an interview. Though the publicist said it wasn't because I was from a gay publication, his reasoning and explanations defy the facts; Plus, he simply lied to me more than once about why I couldn't talk with the gymnasts. When you let every other person talk to your clients, except for the gay publication, it certainly sounds suspicious.

Ultimately, when he got a boatload of heat from readers, Sherman acquiesced and I got to ask them about their gay aunt and uncle, gay fans, and wishful speculation that they are gay. I’m sorry these two very nice young men have found the end of their gymnastic careers.

PHOTO: NEW YORK – MARCH 01: Paul Hamm of the USA prepares to perform on the still rings during the 2008 Tyson American Cup on March 1, 2008 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

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