Hamm double act for Sydney

The Hamm twins - Morgan and Paul

The Hamm twins could not have chosen a better way in which to celebrate their 18th birthdays.

They will both be representing their country in the Olympics - the first twin gymnasts to compete for the United States.

Paul and Morgan took up gymnastics at the age of seven and just ten years later they have made history.

They had to endure a few worrying days after the trials before their double act was confirmed.

We are best friends - we have a great relationship

  Morgan Hamm

Paul earned automatic selection by finishing second, but Morgan had to wait until the selectors finalised the team and chose him as a wild card.

"Once they knew Morgan had made the team , they were extremely relieved because they wanted to go together and be at each other's side," said their mother Cecily.

They have been coached throughout their career by Stacy Maloney, who believes that there is no sibling rivalry between the two.

"I really don't think they are thinking 'I am trying to beat my brother on this event.' It's more like those two versus everyone else," he said.

"We are best friends," said Morgan. "We have a great relationship."

That was aptly illustrated in February while they were competing in the Winter Cup in Las Vegas.

Withdrew

Paul had already secured his spot in the national side and so he withdrew from the last event in order to give Morgan the chance to capture his place.

"I do not think any other competitors would do that - everyone thought that was pretty telling," said Sandy Hamm, their father and vice president of the club where the twins train.

For the Olympics their attention is focused primarily on the team.

"Our main goal is for the team. Everyone wants a team medal," said Morgan.

Paul was the first to take up the sport, a month before Morgan.

"Their older sister Betsy started a year before that and they thought it looked like fun, so they picked it up," said mother Cecily.

Paul was always the bravest of the three of us

  Betsy Hamm

Betsy added: "I think they have motivated me more than I motivated them.

"I know when I was little, Paul used to teach me. He was always the bravest of the three of us."

The whole family will be in Sydney - and in Greece in four years time if the brothers have their way.

"I think I have at least two more Olympics in me," said Morgan.

And - as twins tend to - his brother has much the same ambition.

"I want to make two more Olympics," said Paul. "That would be the greatest thing."