John Orozco has stormed onto the gymnastics scene, and he arrives in London with legitimate medal hopes. For instance, Bodog has him listed as the fifth favorite to win the all-around gold.
The 19-year-old emerged in a big way by winning the all-around title at the U.S. Championships, and cemented himself in the spotlight when he finished a close second to Daniel Leyva for the all-around title during the U.S. Olympic Trials.
To win the all-around gold, like all competitors, Orozco will have to perform with consistent excellence in all events. However, there are a few where he is equipped to outshine the competition.
Orozco is a powerful gymnast that can wow crowds when he has a chance to show off his aerial skills and dynamic dismounts. In light of that, here are three events that he must nail to work his way up leaderboards.
HIgh Bar
Orozco is fearless on the high bar. He attacks the bar with speed and power, and is not afraid to launch many twisting tricks.
He was a high-bar finalist at last year’s worlds, and placed second in the event at the U.S. Trials.
Parallel Bars
Like the high bar, the parallel bars are custom made for Orozco. He can generate a ton of speed, and he has the strength to pull off some breathtaking moves.
Orozco finished third in this event in the Trials, and his scores are consistently right around the best numbers in the world in this competition.
Rings
Orozco is not as dominant on the rings as he is in the previous two events, but he has the ability to shine here.
On this event, he can display his tremendous strength. Orozco can pause a move in seemingly any position, and hold it like he is not challenged by gravity before swooping into another move.
He placed third in the event at the Trials.