Injured Korean gymnast Yang Hak-seon has been given a second chance to qualify for this year's Summer Olympics, though it remains doubtful he'll be able to capitalize on it.
The Korea Gymnastics Association said it will hold three additional rounds of national team trials this month. The first one is scheduled for Saturday, followed by two more on July 13 and 16.
(Yonhap)
Yang, the 2012 Olympic vault champion, missed the first two rounds of Olympic trials in April and May after rupturing his right Achilles' tendon during practice in March.
Five gymnasts were selected through the earlier rounds, but the KGA added Yang to the mix on a special recommendation. The KGA will finalize the five-man squad after July 16.
Though the door is open for Yang, it is still unclear if he will actually be healthy enough to compete.
Kim Chang-seok, Yang's coach at his Suwon City Hall club, said Yang is still rehabbing from the injury and is refraining from rigorous training. He's unable to hurdle onto a springboard with any authority, Kim added.
"It's frustrating that he is not in shape to compete," the coach said. "I don't think he'll be available Saturday. We will need a bit more time."
A KGA official said he holds out hope that Yang will be able to perform soon.
"The additional trials will take place as scheduled even if Yang can't make it," the official said. "Since he has three chances, we hope he'll be able to show something." (Yonhap)
