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| Dantzscher hurts right ankle at practice
SportsLine.com wire reports
SYDNEY, Australia -- With one gymnast already out with an injury, the
U.S. women's team got another scare Thursday when Jamie Dantzscher rolled her
right ankle during training.
Dantzscher, who continued practicing after getting her ankle taped, said the
injury isn't serious.
"It should be better by tomorrow, hopefully," she said. "If not, at least
in a couple of days."
The women's team competition begins Saturday.
Dantzscher was doing a warmup tumbling pass Wednesday when she landed short in a corner. She winced, but continued
practicing for a few minutes before taking a seat at the edge of the podium.
"I don't think it's that bad," said Steve Rybacki, her coach. "I saw her
twist it and she didn't have her full weight on it."
Dantzscher had a brief conversation with Rybacki, who is also the U.S.
assistant coach, and Bela Karolyi before hopping off the podium. She had her
ankle taped during the team's rest period and sat out again when the U.S. team
moved to the vault.
"I didn't want to pound on it right after that," she said.
But when the United States moved to the uneven bars, Dantzscher rejoined her
teammates. She ran through her routine without any problems, taking a small
step backward on her dismount.
She was in good spirits as she left the practice floor.
"I'm having fun," she said. "The arena's really cool. You get a good
feeling when you walk in."
The Americans have already had to replace one of their athletes. Morgan
White, one of the most consistent gymnasts on the team, withdrew Tuesday
because of a stress fracture in her left foot. She was replaced by Tasha
Schwikert, the second alternate.
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