Alexander Artemev (2008 Gymnastics hopeful)

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

03 Jun 2008 11:22 PM

Welcome to our Focus on the Olympics articles that introduces you to our Olympic athletes and hopefuls that will be competing in Beijing this summer. Alexander's family emigrated from Minsk when he was younger and his father is a champion in his own right.

Meet Alexander Artemev

Alexander "Sasha" Artemev is the only child of Vladimir and Svetlana Artemev, who are both gymnastics coaches. Alexander was born in Minsk, Belarus and emigrated with his parents to the United States in 1994. His father, Vladimir, was a member of the Soviet National Team (1977-87) and was the USSR national all-around champion in 1984. His mother, Svetlana, is a former rhythmic gymnast. He moved to the United States from Belarus in 1994 and became a naturalized citizen in December 2002. Alexander graduated from McLain High School in Lakewood, Colo. in 2003. His future aspirations include attending college to study business and someday opening his own gym.

Why Root for Him?

Alexander became the first U.S. World pommel horse medalist since Kurt Thomas in 1979 when he finished third at the 2006 World Championships. He tore elbow ligaments in August 2002 and resumed training in February 2003. He won the U.S. All-Around title at the Visa Championships, marking his full return to the sport after shoulder surgery in the summer of 2005. After finishing a disappointing 10th at the Olympic Trials in 2003, Alexander's gymnastics goals include medaling in the all-around at a World Championships and at an Olympic Games.

Performance Record

• 2007 Visa Championships pommel horse champion, parallel bars silver medalist
• 2007 FIG World Championships team fourth place, pommel horse sixth place
• 2006 Visa Championships all-around, pommel horse & parallel bars champion
• 2006 Winter Cup Challenge pommel horse champion
• 2005 World Cup pommel horse silver medalist
• 2005 Winter Cup Challenge pommel horse champion

The U.S. Gymnastics Team trials take place in June 19 to June 22 in Philadelphia, PA.

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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