Olympian John Orozco's Pommel Horse Performance Pushes Him To Eighth Place

by uInterviewAugust 2, 2012, 12:00 am >

While his U.S. Olympic teammate Danell Leyva, 20, was redeeming his blunder on the pommel horse in the men's team event in gymnastics, ultimately nabbing the bronze medal in the all-around competition for the U.S. on Wednesday, John Orozco's intentions to do the same were less fruitful.

The pommel horse had also presented a challenge for Orozco, 19, during Monday's team competition, and it didn't let up by the Wednesday all-arounds. "I felt really tired during the routine," said the Bronx-born Orozco, reports the New York Daily News, after the scores came in and Orozco's eighth place was shown. "I couldn't feel my arms, everything was tightening up. I was praying to get off, and get some kind of dismount."

His score of 12.566 ultimately guaranteed that he wouldn't be able to place a medal, though the rest of his performances were stronger. "I wish I could have done better," Orozco said. "I wish I could go back home and have them proud of me."

Orozco's teammates, however, don't feel so fatalistic. "The young man has tremendous potential in the future," said team leader Kevin Mazeika. "His upside is limitless."

For more on the 2012 London Olympics:

U.S. Gymnast Danell Leyva Wins Bronze In All-Around Comeback

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U.S. Gymnast Danell Leyva Slips From Pommel Horse, Team Finishes Fifth

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