Bilozertchev’s departure from the Ohio State University gymnastics team, where he was about to be a key freshman, stirred up questions about his commitment to the sport.
In an interview with International Gymnast Magazine, Bilozertchev has confirmed that no, he isn’t done with gymnastics, and intends to stay in school at Ohio State.
Bilozertchev, 18, said he is more motivated than ever, and wants to put to rest any rumors that he has left the sport.
“My focus right now is on Winter Cup [Feb. 5-7],” he told IG on Monday. “I’m going to try to make national team and just continue with gymnastics. There’s no plan to quit anytime soon — just to get that rumor squashed.”
OSU head coach Miles Avery announced Thursday that Bilozertchev, a freshman, had left the team “for personal reasons.” The No. 7 OSU Buckeyes began the NCAA season Saturday.
“His departure will and has affected the team,” Avery told IG. “It is like any team that had a guy they were counting on quit days before the season began without warning. It is hard. It takes a moment to regroup and we are.”
This is good news for USA Gymnastics. Bad news for Ohio State.
January 22, 2009 at 11:31 pm |
Blanket party?