He was our best attempt at snagging Gold at this year's olympics. Not only would he lead the US to capture their first Gold team medal since 1984, he was supposed to best the competition. But alas, that dreadful pommel. Still his "spectacular" comeback left hope. So we ask,
What's next for John Orozco?
John Orozco, the Puerto-Rican born American was supposed to be the savior of U.S. gymnastics and rule the roost at the 2012 Olympic games. He gave a strong showing at the All-Around Qualifications, placing in 4th. However, when the team all-around came up, Orozco failed. He and his team both performed subpar, resulting in 5th place. Even though most media outlets hailed the team as the best since '84 (or even better), the US team would come back medal-less.
Orozco had a chance for redemption two days later with the All-Around final. Due to his background from the Bronx, NY, everyone has been checking for Orozco, and he had the hype. Everyone was prepared for him to become the face of the US program and the inspirational story would come to a head. Everything started out great, but the dreaded pommel horse rotation (which ruined him at the team final) came back to bite him yet again. Although NBC did not show any of this, Orozco, knowing he would not be able to place, pushed himself out of doom & 24th place to finish at 8th. Teammate
Danell Leyva, who also messed up on the pummel, would force his way back and win bronze. Orozco's final routines were almost stellar, and
People magazine even called it a "spectacular comeback." Still, he did not get a medal, and the Gold everyone was expecting.
He & his fans may be down and out, but the future only looks brighter for Orozco. He has plenty to be proud of, he is an Olympian and has proved much although he still has more to prove personally. He already
set to head back into the gym and become even better and ready to take the Gold for good in Rio at the 2016 games, more than likely along with Leyva. Orozco will improve and train like never before, and will be hungrier than ever four the gold four years down the road. Although he didn't do as expected, still, many sponsors have taken interested in Orozco and he will embark on a gymnastics tour in the Fall. With media already buzzing about Orozco's chances in 2016, we have definitely already moved on from the performance of this year.
In conclusion, bring on 2016 & until then, we'll be watching!
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