Middle blocker Brett Winslow isn't about to let a broken hand keep him off the U.S. volleyball team.
"It's been a lot of long days to give up three weeks before," said Winslow, who was selected to the 12-man roster by coach Fred Sturm.If it's later determined that Winslow won't be able to compete, he can be replaced on the roster no later than July 5 from a list of six alternates submitted to the USOC.
Winslow broke his hand May 23 when he angrily slammed it into the hardwood floor after being accidentally hit in the face with a ball punched by teammate Dan Landry during an intense scrimmage.
After getting the OK from doctors, Winslow had the cast removed Tuesday. Now he must prove to Sturm that he can play with a splint on it and that he can handle the pain. If not for the fact that the Olympics start in less than a month, Winslow figured he would have had the cast on for 6-8 weeks.
Trainer Woody Graham, according to Sturm, said Winslow's hand will be fully healed by the start of the Olympics.
Team USA will be led by a trio of three-time Olympians. Captain and outside hitter Bob Ctvrtlik, outside hitter Scott Fortune and setter Jeff Stork all won gold medals in 1988 and bronze medals in 1992. Middle blocker Bryan Ivie returns from the 1992 Olympic team coached by Sturm.
Joining Winslow as first-time Olympians are starting setter Lloy Ball, outside hitter John Hyden, opposite hitter Mike Lambert, outside hitter Landry, middle blocker Jeff Nygaard, opposite hitter Tom Sorensen and middle blocker Ethan Watts.
The women's team, which won the bronze medal in 1992, also has three three-time Olympians. They are team captain and middle blocker Tammy Liley and outside hitters Paula Weishoff and Caren Kemner.
Second-time Olympians are starting setter Lori Endicott, outside hitters Tara-Cross Battle and Teee Williams, middle blocker Elaina Oden and setter Yoko Zetterlund. First-time Olympians are middle blockers Bev Oden and Danielle Scott, and outside hitters Kristin Klein and Elaine Youngs.