Then, during the 2004 Games, the ex-Cirque performer won gold on the parallel bars.

WSJ: Social Media

He performed in all six disciplines but he struggled on the parallel bars and admitted he still had pain in the hand.

BBC: Injured Hamm forced to withdraw

But it amazes him that those young women can do what they do on the balance beam and the parallel bars and the vault.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney,

The system was introduced after last year's Olympics when America's Paul Hamm was awarded the all-round title after South Korea's Yang Tae-young was incorrectly docked a 10th of a point from his parallel bars routine.

BBC: World Gymnastics highlights