McNeill Makes Spot on Team USA His High Bar

For the past several years, many articles have been written detailing the accounts of Tim McNeill's career, and they all read like lists of endless achievements.

The Cal men's gymnast has won three NCAA individual championships, been named an All-American three times, made numerous Pac-10 teams, and was selected to the U.S. Senior National Team two years in a row.

Now though, in his last year with the Bears and on the verge of the 2008 Summer Olympics, those accomplishments and honors go out the window for McNeill, because in his mind, there are only two things he cares about.

"Five years ago, I would have been thrilled to have accomplished what I have now and said 'I can't have asked for more' but now I have two things I want to accomplish: winning an NCAA team championship and being on the U.S. Olympic team," says McNeill.

The Olympics have been on McNeill's mind for quite some time. The Falls Church, Va., native began training with world class gymnasts at 11 years old. It was then when he began seeing himself donning a U.S. uniform.

"I think every gymnast, when they start out, wants to be on the Olympic team because you associate the word gymnastics with Olympics," says McNeill. "So when I started it was definitely a goal, but as I got older, like other gymnasts, I realized there are a lot of people competing for very few spots and it only comes every four years."

McNeill began to lose sight of his goal during the end of his high school career. In addition to the relatively low odds of making of the team, injuries to his knee deterred his dream. It wasn't until he was 18 that the aspiring Olympian felt he had a legitimate shot at making the team one day.

"That was the first time I made the Junior National team," says McNeill. "I realized that perhaps this was an option. It became more of a possibility in my mind when I made it to the Senior National team my sophomore year."

The U.S. Senior National team is comprised of about 14 of the top male gymnasts throughout the country. They are chosen from the top performers at the Winter Cup Challenge, which is scheduled to take place Feb. 7 and 9 in Las Vegas.

However, it is much more complicated than just performing well there. The Olympic Games Selection Committee will choose its six representatives for Team USA through the 2008 Olympic Team Trials June 19-22.

To qualify for that event, gymnasts around the country must first make the U.S. Senior National Team through the Winter Cup. Since they must re-apply in six months, a new Senior National Team will be formed from those who excel at the 2008 Visa Championships in May.

To qualify for the Visa Championships, gymnasts must either have had a roster spot on the previous Senior National Team, have a high ranking in the points system, or be one of 12 athletes selected from those who perform well at the 2008 NCAA Championships.

"Without a question, this will be the toughest thing I have to do," McNeill said. "It's a long shot, but it can be accomplished. What's holding me back right now is the fact that I don't have that much international experience."

Just days before he was set to head out to Ukraine during the summer last year, McNeill tore his shoulder and required surgery on it. Since then, he has been slowly recovering. Along with that, McNeill's knee has been bothering him since before he came to Cal.

These physical limitations have prevented McNeill from performing all-around, which he believes would give him a better chance of being selected for the Olympic Team.

Of the six events, McNeill has only been performing pommel horse, parallel bars and high bar. Once he returns from the Winter Cup, he will look to add still rings.

"The goal is definitely to perform all-around, but it's been almost two years since I've done that," McNeill said. "My knee's finally getting better though, and that's been the only thing holding me back from doing floor and vault since I got here."

For years, McNeill has exemplified the term quality for both Cal and himself, but now his fate will belong in the hands of a committee who will be looking for the absolute best to represent America beginning Aug. 8.

If he's not chosen this year, McNeill said he plans to keep reaching for his goal until his body completely wears down.

"Making the Olympic team would be life-changing. I can't think of anything else that could mean more to me," McNeill said. "I've practiced so hard and had so many injuries and it all comes down to the ultimate goal. And now it's standing right in front of me."

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