Today’s New York Daily News posted an outstanding article about John Orozco.  The article went into detail about his family and the long daily commute Orozco and his mother make every day to the gym.  Orozco’s father suffered a debilitating stroke two years ago and his mother suffers from various health maladies.  Even if she is in severe pain, she gets up and gets her son from the Bronx to Chappaqua each and every day.  Writer Matt Gagne describes very well Orozco’s amazing dedication, work ethic and commitment to gymnastics and his family.

Orozco’s coach, Jason Hebert, calls him "the Michael Jordan and LeBron James of gymnastics."  The way he has competed, with nerves of steel, perhaps he is.  Orozco won an incredible five out of six events at the 2009 JO Nationals to run away with the all-around title in the Level 10 division (14-15).  He will back next week to defend his VISA U.S. Championships Junior Division title.

It is great to see such a high profile article in a major newspaper about one of our elite junior gymnasts.  Much has been written about the Senior men, and deservedly so.  But the Junior Division is packed full of talent, and some of these fine gymnasts will make it tough for today’s frontrunners to make the trip to London in 2012.  Don’t be surprised if John Orozco ends up making that trip.

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