Paul Hamm

Paul Hamm is an artistic gymnast, representing the United States in various international competitions. Hamm got his start as a competitor in the 2000 Summer Olympics, finishing 5th and 14th in separate events. Despite the disappointing results, Hamm trained harder than ever before, winning the allaround title at the World Championships in 2003. Hamm returned to the Olympics in 2004, winning the silver medal in the team event, as well as the gold medal in the individual competition. After his performance, Hamm was awarded the James E. Sullivan award as the most outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. Following the 2004 Olympics, Hamm decided to take time off from gymnastics to attend college, ultimately making a comeback attempt for the 2008 Olympics. He competed in various events, but failed to record any success, withdrawing from the U.S. team prior to the Olympics. Hamm would go on to try another comeback for the 2012 Olympics, but retired from gymnastics shortly after the start of his comeback, citing that his training was too rigorous for the amount of pain he was in. Hamm ended his career as a decorated athlete, winning multiple medals for the United States.