Ten years ago, the U.S. women's gymnastic team was not on a podium in Sydney to accept an Olympic medal. The bronze went to China, just out of reach for the American team.
On Wednesday night, that will change.
The International Olympic Committee recently stripped China of its 2000 games bronze because one of its athletes did not meet the age requirement. On Wednesday night, the 2000 U.S Women’s Olympic Gymnastics team will receive a bronze medal at a special Hartford ceremony.
“When I got the call that we got the medal, I just could not believe it. I was completely shocked. It’s crazy that we are finally getting the medal,” American gymnast Tasha Schwikert told NBC Connecticut on Wednesday morning.
Schwikert, who is in town for the 2010 Visa Championships, said a lot has changed since her competition days and she looks forward to seeing all of her teammates.
Some of whom she hasn’t kept in touch with since 2000. So, tonight will be a reunion as well as an opportunity to receive the hardware.
“An Olympic medal is an Olympic medal I don’t care when you get it. It is something that is very special to our team and it is very, very exciting.”
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TheVisa Championship continue through Aug. 14. The medal presentation will happen tonight at 7 p.m. at the XL Center.
