• 2008 U.S. Olympic hopeful in gymnastics
• Earned a bronze medal at the 2006 World Championships on pommel horse
• Won three titles at the 2006 Visa Championships on all-around, pommel horse and parallel bars
• 2004 U.S national champion in parallel bars
• Became the first U.S. pommel horse medal winner since Kurt Thomas in 1979

• Won first U.S. pommel horse medal since Kurt Thomas in 1979
• Won two medals at the 2005 American Cup – gold on pommel horse and silver on floor exercise
• Father and coach, Vladimir, is a former member of the Soviet National Team and was the USSR national all-around champion in 1984. "Me and my dad are one team. If I make the Olympic games, it's for both of us," he told USA Today.
• Mother, Svetlana, is a former rhythmic gymnast
• Born in Belarus, moved to the U.S. in 1994 and is an only child
• Began participating in gymnastics in 1992
• Tore ligaments in his elbow in Aug. 2002 and began training again in Feb. 2003
• Gymnastic goals: medaling in the all-around at the World Championships and Olympic Games
• Future goals: to study business and someday open his own gym
• He goes by Sasha, the Russian nickname for Alexander

Vladimir's 1984 title would have earned him consideration for the 1984 Olympic team, had the Soviets not boycotted the games that year. Vladimir's missed chance helps to motivate Alexander, he said. "The reason I fell in love with this sport is because my dad never pressured me. He always said, 'It's your choice, you can do what you want,'" Alexander told USA Today. "I just want to share his passion. I know his goal is for me to make the Olympic Games. It's my goal, too, but it also motivates me more to know that we both share the same dream."

Related Links

Official Web Site: Sasha Artemev

Born: Aug. 29, 1985 Hometown: Lakewood, Colo. Resides: Morrison, Colo. Sport: Gymnastics