BOSTON — Paul Hamm is doing everything his doctor says. And then some.

The Olympic gold medal gymnast said Wednesday he remains "optimistic" he will be healthy in time to compete at the Beijing Games. Hamm broke a bone in his right hand two weeks ago in the final seconds of his parallel bars routine at the U.S. gymnastics championships. During surgery May 27, a plate and nine small screws were inserted to repair the fourth metacarpal.

"I've got enough time for my hand to heal and the bone to feel good enough to do gymnastics," he said in an interview to promote the Right to Play Red Ball Child Play program, which aims to use sports to help children affected by poverty, disease and war.

"I'm just going to do what I can. I'm going for it."

Hamm hopes to be back on gymnastics equipment within the next four weeks. He'll have to petition for a spot on the Beijing squad because he'll miss the Olympic trials — June 19-22 in Philadelphia — but USA Gymnastics is almost certain to grant the petition if he's healthy. The U.S. men have a training camp July 13-22, and Hamm would have to show he was ready to compete there.

The men's competition in Beijing starts Aug. 9.

Hamm said he's using a bone stimulator, doing physical therapy and icing the hand to speed the healing and his recovery. He has had some inflammation, but his mobility and flexibility remain good.

"Paul tested his grip strength and it's pretty good," said twin brother Morgan.

While he's not able to do anything on gymnastics equipment, Hamm has been spending plenty of time in the gym to keep the rest of his body in shape. The fitter he is, the quicker his routines will come back once he's cleared to do gymnastics again. He's doing exercises to strengthen his legs, stomach and back, along with cardio work.

He's even done some back flips.

"I don't tell the doctor about that," he said.

While Paul focuses on his recovery, Morgan is continuing a comeback of his own. He tore a muscle in his chest last fall, but competed at nationals and will be at trials in hopes of making a third Olympic team.

Despite their training schedule, the brothers took time earlier this week to go to New York and do promotional work for the Red Ball Child Play program. Right to Play uses sports to improve health, teach life skills and promote peace to disadvantaged children across the world.

Other Olympic athletes have been involved with the program and when Listerine, one of their sponsors, asked if they'd be interested in helping promote it, the Hamms jumped at the chance.

Listerine is donating $1 every time someone clicks on the red ball on its Web site this summer, up to $100,000. The money will be used to help 500,000 children in 23 countries.

"As athletes and Olympians, we've had the opportunity in our lives to play and we've had great parenting and great coaching. When Listerine talked about teaming up with this cause, it was a no-brainer," Paul said.

"We realize how lucky we are in America to have all those things available to us. (Other children) are dealing with poverty and disease. ... Hopefully we can represent this and further this cause."