INDIANAPOLIS — Raj Bhavsar is finally on his way to the Olympics, thanks to Paul Hamm.

Bhavsar was chosen to replace Hamm, who withdrew from the Beijing Games earlier today after deciding he would not be healthy enough to compete. The reigning Olympic champion broke his hand 2 months ago, and now has a strained rotator cuff that prevents him from doing still rings and some skills on other events.

The 27-year-old Bhavsar was an alternate in 2004.

The disappointment nearly drove him out of the sport, but he returned with new dedication and attitude. He finished second on parallel bars and third in the all-around, rings and vault in the weighted and combined rankings from four days of competition at the national championships and Olympic trials.

"This is a tremendous honor and the first feeling that comes to mind is that dreams can come true," said Bhavsar, part of the silver medal world championship teams in 2001 and 2003. "Unfortunately, this comes at the expense of a great athlete, Paul Hamm. My heart goes out to him. He did an admirable thing, and he will always be a hero in my eyes."