SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Sam Mikulak will only compete in pommel horse Saturday during the finals of the U.S. men’s gymnastics Olympic trials because of a left ankle injury.
Mikulak’s coach Kurt Golder confirmed the decision after watching Mikulak attempt to warmup. The 19-year-old turned the ankle after an awkward landing on his vault during preliminaries on Thursday.
The 2011 NCAA champion posted the highest all-around score with a 91.8, just ahead of Danell Leyva. He began Saturday in third place behind Leyva and national champion John Orozco in the overall standings.
His father Stephen Mikulak said the ankle was “black and blue” and the swelling began when trainers removed tape after Thursday’s competition. Mikulak is still considered a favorite to make the five-man team when it is announced Sunday.
