Paul Hamm

Paul Hamm (http://www.hamm-twins.com/ppictures.html)

A hero is someone who did something great, amazing for his country or his people. No American male has ever won an Olympic all-around gold medal for the man’s gymnastics except for Paul Hamm! On September 24, 1982 in Ashland, Wisconsin a hero was born.

Paul and Morgan Hamm (http://home.earthlink.net/~utzdana/images/mens15.jpg)

Paul Hamm and his twin brother, Morgan Hamm where both born in Ashland, Wisconsin and are currently reside in Columbus Ohio. In 1989 Paul started doing gymnastics, after watching his sister Besty, he wanted to try it. Paul currently goes to Ohio State University. Playing tennis, cards, chess and a German game called Sheepshead are his hobbies other then gymnastics.

Paul and Morgan are both coached by Miles Avery, Arnold Kventenadze & Doug Stibel. Competing against China's Yang Wei in the final rotation by less than .05 points, Hamm completed a difficult high bar routine and beat Yang Wei. It was the first all-around Worlds medal by an American man since Kurt Thomas won silver in 1979. Paul was the first American male to win a World Championship All-Around Title.

A hero for all times is someone who will always be remembered for doing something amazing! Paul would be a hero for all times because he was the first American male to win a world championship all around title. A hero within is someone who believes in themselves, and knew they could successes in what they put there mind too. Paul believed that he could succeed in what he put his mind to. It was especially hard for him because no male has won a Gold medal for the U.S.A. ,so had to truly believe that he can win.

Paul became the first U.S. all-around Olympic champion ever at the 2004 Olympic Games, coming back from 12th place in the final two rotations. He pulled the impossible! No one will ever forget the name Paul Hamm. Paul will always be remembered as the man who won the Gold medal for the men’s gymnastics.