PSU gymnastics coach to compete in Olympics
By Andrew J. Cassavell Collegian Staff Writer
Kevin Tan saw his childhood dream come to fruition Sunday, when he was named as one of six gymnasts who will represent the United States in this summer's Olympic Games.
The Penn State assistant men's gymnastics coach won back to back rings titles for the Nittany Lions in 2003 and 2004 and figures to be an important addition to a United States squad which earned the silver medal four years ago.
"He'll be [the USA's] top ring guy," said Penn State head coach Randy Jepson. "But he'll compete on Pommel Horse, parallel bar, and he'll probably be an alternate on High Bar."
The announcement was made Sunday after two days of Olympic qualification trials in Philadelphia, PA.
Joining Tan in Beijing, China August 8-24 will be brothers Paul and Morgan Hamm, Joey Haggerty, Jonathan Horton, and Justin Spring.
Tan, who is in his third season as assistant coach after graduating in 2004 will be the 17th Nittany Lion gymnast to represent the United States at the Olympics, but the first since 1976.
"It's something he's purposed his whole competitive career around," Jepson said. "It's great to see it all come together now."
