Antolin still in the hunt

Mike Sciacca

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

a bit of uncertainty.

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

competed in the opening round 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 to 20 in Boston.

However, Antolin withdrew from the second round.

Antolin was outstanding on both bars and beam in the first round of

the five-day competition. But, during her floor routine, she re-injured

her left ankle, which has caused her much pain for the past four months.

Still, Antolin, following her floor performance, went on to produce 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

[today].”

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

she 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 in all-around scores from both the nationals

and trials are guaranteed spots on the U.S. team, with three more girls

to be selected by a committee after the trials 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 said. “A lot of

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

stopping now.”