By Mark Lamport-Stokes

SAN JOSE, California (Reuters) - Former world all-around champion Bridget Sloan had her Olympic hopes dashed on Friday when she pulled out of the U.S. gymnastics trials after injuring her left elbow during practice.

The 20-year-old suffered the injury while warming up on the uneven bars shortly before the start of the first day of the women's competition at the HP Pavilion.

Sloan clutched her elbow in pain after a turn on the bars and briefly received medical attention before she was escorted out of the indoor arena.

Soon after, USA Gymnastics officials said she had pulled out of the competition.

"Bridget has an elbow sprain and it has been determined that it is in Bridget's best interest to withdraw from the competition," Dr. Larry Nassar said in a statement.

Sloan was a member of the U.S. team that won the silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Games and went on to claim the 2009 world all-around title.

(Editing by John O'Brien)