U.S. Gymnasts In Top Tier

For the first time ever at a world championships, U.S. gymnasts could end up with team medals in both men’s and women’s competition, giving their hopes for next year’s Atlanta Olympics a significant boost.

After posting strong opening-day performances Monday, the women stood second and the men third after the last of the other teams finished their compulsory exercises.

The Russian men stood 11th after the compulsories and appeared out of contention for individual medals as well. Only the top 12 teams qualify for the 1996 Olympics.

The Russians did better in the women’s compulsories, moving into third place behind defending champion Romania and the Americans. Dina Kochetkova, the 1994 bronze medalist, edged the defending champion, American Shannon Miller, out of second place in the race to qualify for the individual all-around finals.

Optional exercises will decide the men’s medals on Friday and the women’s on Saturday.