Former women's gymnastics all-around world champion Chellsie Memmel has come back to competition after recovering from a shoulder injury and is hoping for a trip to the Beijing Olympics Games next year.

 

At the 2007 Gymnastics International Invitational Tournament, an Olympic test event held in Beijing yesterday, the 2005 world champion Memmel finished in fifth at the women's all-around event. But she was still satisfied with her first competition after a year spent recovering from injury.

 

"I'm so happy with myself. It's my first competition in over a year. I'm satisfied with the results. It just made me much better for the next year," said the 19-year-old.

 

Memmel injured her shoulder while she was training in 2006 and it's been a long road to recovery. She said her family's support helped her overcome that difficult time.

 

"I just keep thinking positive and people's support helps me. My family are always there for me," she said.

 

As a veteran of the US team, Memmel burst into the spotlight in 2003 when she was named to the team that attended the Pan American Games, winning five medals including the team and all-around golds.

 

As an alternate on the 2003 World Championships team, she was promoted to the lineup after three team members suffered injuries and illnesses. She ended up playing a vital role in securing the team gold, earning the highest all-around marks of any team member during the finals.

 

But a foot injury in 2004 ruined her Olympic dreams for Athens, as she missed the national Olympic trial's and just missed being name one of three alternates for the 2004 Olympic team.

 

This time, the fully recovered Memmel expects a spot on the US Olympic team.

 

"I really want to be on the (national) team. That's what I want to do right now," she said. "The preparation is going really good. This is the first step to start competing again. This is my first competition in over a year. It's a big step for me. I think I have a good chance (to be qualified) if I'm healthy."

 

As for the fierce competition she will face at the national Olympic trials against a group of younger girls, she considers it motivation for her to improve.

 

"All of the team members are my opponents since we have a very strong team," said Memmel. "That just helps. We push each other to get better."

 

(China Daily November 30, 2007)