Antolin still in the hunt

The most exciting time in Jeanette Antolin’s young life has been

tinged with a bit of uncertainty.

The 18-year-old, who graduated last June from Marina High, competed in

one portion of last weekend’s U.S. Gymnastics Championships in St. Louis,

a key meet leading up to the U.S. Olympic Trials, scheduled for Aug.

15-20 in Boston.

Antolin, one of the nation’s premier gymnasts, competed in the opening

round of the five-day competition, but she withdrew from the second round

due to the re-aggrevation of an ankle injury.

Antolin was outstanding on both bars and beam in Round One. But,

during her floor routine, she re-injured her tender left ankle, am injury

that has caused her much pain the past four months. Still, Antolin,

following her floor performance, went on to produced two great vault

routines.

Her injury, however, was a concern. It was a unanimous decision,

between Antolin and her coaches (among them, SCATS Gymnastics’ Don

Peters, and Bela Karolyi, 2000 USA Gymnastics Women’s National Team

Coordinator), that Antolin sit out the second round.

“I was disappointed, but I want this ankle to shape up,” Antolin said

Tuesday, her first day back from St. Louis. “It’s still sore. I got a

cortisone shot Saturday, but I’m scheduled to start full practices again

Thursday (today).”

Antolin, who possesses a tenacious spirit, says she’s doing everything

she possibly can to get her ankle in shape for the upcoming U.S. Olympic

Trials. First, though, she must attend Karolyi’s camp in the Houston

area. There, she will present her routines, and then be told if she’s

healed enough to continue on to Boston.

Elise Ray of Columbia, Md. won the all-around title in St. Louis.

The top three gymnasts (all-around scores) from both the nationals and

trials are guaranteed a spot on the US team, with three more girls to be

selected by a committee after the trails, to fill out the Olympic squad.

Ankle injury or not, don’t count Antolin out.

“I’m going to fight for this all the way,” Antolin added. “A lot of

hard work - and prayers - have gotten me this far. There’s no way I’m

stopping now.”