New national champion injured

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PHILADELPHIA -- David Sender, 22, the Stanford gymnast who surprisingly walked away with the U.S. national all-around title in Houston last month, took a big fall on a high bar release move during practice Wednesday.

After trying to remount the still-vibrating bar, he dropped back to the ground and cried out, clearly in pain after turning his ankle.

He was soon wheeled out of the arena with his right ankle elevated and in a boot. The ankle had already begun to turn purple.

Sender’s consistency at nationals paid off, and there is no question he found ways to capitalize on the fact that favorite and 2004 gold medalist Paul Hamm was out because of a broken hand.

But the Arlington Heights, Ill., native was not outstanding in enough in particular events to make him a strong contender for the final six-man Olympic roster. However, he planned to get an MRI even though team officials thought there was no break.

-- Diane Pucin