Podium training begins; cue the applause

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BEIJING -- The gymnasts get a day to do what is called podium training. At major competitions, the equipment is placed on raised podiums for better viewing in big arenas.

But each podium gives the gymnasts a different feel, and in a sport where feel for the space around you is so important, podium training is crucial.

The U.S. men began podium training at noon Wednesday in a group with Italy, Spain and a mixed group of athletes from Israel, Great Britain, Uzbekistan, Colombia, Egypt, Greece, Georgia, Yemen, Poland, Switzerland and the Netherlands. The mixed groups are individual athletes whose teams did not qualify for the Olympics, but who are trying to qualify for the individual event and all-around finals.

Wearing white shirts with a spidery, red design and red shorts, the U.S. men started on still rings, where medal hopeful Kevin Tan earned an ovation from the savvy crowd of Chinese volunteers and journalists.

Justin Spring giggled through the rotations, having more fun than any gymnast around. Morgan Hamm didn’t crack a smile after he did a vault with a perfect landing that, again, earned applause.

-- Diane Pucin