Gymnasts Memmel, Sacramone named in U.S. women's team

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Veterans Chellsie Memmel and Alicia Sacramone were named part of the U.S. Olympic women's gymnastics team on Saturday, joining reigning world all-around champion Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin.

Samantha Peszek and Bridget Sloan rounded out the team, with Jana Bieger, Ivana Hong and Corrie Lothrop named as alternates for the Beijing Olympics following the final selection camp held in Huntsville, Texas.

Johnson and Liukin, a winner of nine world championship medals, were named on the team at the conclusion of the U.S. Olympic trials last month.

"The U.S. team has been assembled to give us our best chance for success in Beijing," Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics, said in a statement.

"This group of athletes has worked hard to position USA Gymnastics as a strong contender for medals."

Earlier on Saturday, 2004 Olympic all-around champion Paul Hamm confirmed his spot on the U.S. men's team by demonstrating to officials that his recovery and readiness to compete after breaking a bone in his right hand in May.

(Writing by Larry Fine; Editing by Peter Rutherford)