US gymnasts lose their McCool going beyond the boundaries

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2004

ATHENS (AFP) — To go beyond their wildest Olympic dreams, United States women's gymnasts will have to stop going beyond the boundaries.

Steps out of bounds proved costly for the reigning world champions in qualifying for Tuesday's Olympic team final, where they will face defending Olympic champion Romania in a showdown for gold.

Courtney McCool and Terri Humphrey each stepped out of bounds on floor exercise, McCool well beyond the boundary.

"Too much power," McCool said. "Always better than not enough."

McCool, the youngest US gymnast at 16, also wobbled on balance beam and failing to qualify for all-around or apparatus finals. She was left off the US team lineup set Monday, bringing an early end to her Games.

Cuban-born Annia Hatch, 26, and...