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Hammin' it up Hamms become first twin gymnasts in U.S. history
MILWAKEE (AP) -- Morgan and Paul Hamm will be the first twin gymnasts to compete in the Olympics for the United States when they take part in the Sydney Games. And the 17-year-old fraternal twins from Waukesha, Wisc., don't anticipate any sibling rivalry. "Our main goal is for the team. Everyone wants a team medal," Morgan Hamm said. "I really don't think they are thinking, 'I am trying to beat my brother on this event,'" said Stacy Maloney, their coach of 10 years. "It's more like those two versus everyone else." Their selection already has made U.S. Olympic history. There were gymnast brothers who competed in the 1956 Olympics but never twins, said Courtney Caress, communications manager for USA Gymnastics. The twins' mother, Cecily Hamm, said they were especially supportive of each other at the Boston Olympic trials that ended Aug. 19. Paul Hamm was assured a spot on the U.S. team with a second-place finish. Morgan Hamm had to wait until he and two-time Olympian John Roethlisberger, 30, were added as at-large selections. "Once they knew Morgan had made the team, they were extremely relieved because they wanted to go together and be at each other's side," Cecily Hamm said. Their father, Sandy Hamm, said the two also showed their strong mutual support in February, while at the Winter Cup in Las Vegas. Paul Hamm withdrew from the last event to ensure Morgan a spot on the Senior National Team, since Paul already clinched a spot, he said. "I don't think any other competitors would do that," said Sandy Hamm, vice president of the Swiss Turners Gymnastics Academy where the twins work out. "Everyone thought that was pretty telling." "We're best friends," Morgan Hamm said. "We have a great relationship." But they purposely pick separate classes at Waukesha South High School, which helps them not grow tired of each other, Paul Hamm said. The Hamms started in gymnastics at the age of 7. Paul Hamm started first, and Morgan Hamm a month later. "Their older sister Betsy started a year before that and they thought it looked like fun, so they picked it up," Cecily Hamm said. Betsy Hamm, 20, also a gymnast, said she can't take credit for her brothers' success. "I think they've motivated me more than I motivated them," she said. "I know when I was little, Paul used to teach me stuff. He was always the bravest of the three of us." The Hamms leave for Sydney Sept. 3 and will stay through closing ceremonies, Cecily Hamm said. They will turn 18 in Australia. After the games, they are expected to be part of a two-month gymnast exhibition tour, including a Milwaukee stop Oct. 26, Sandy Hamm said. Whatever happens in Sydney, the twins said they will continue to work hard for the same dream. "I think I have at least two more Olympics in me," Morgan Hamm said. "I want to make two more Olympics," Paul Hamm said. "That would be the greatest thing."
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