USA Gymnastics hosted a media tele-conference this morning featuring Jonathan Horton, Chris Brooks and Danell Leyva.  The 45-minute conference offered the first soundbites from prominent gymnasts about Paul Hamm’s comeback announcement.  Horton and Brooks had nothing but glowing things to say about Hamm, and they expressed a lot of excitement about the boost he would provide for the team.  Brooks confirmed that he will be training at Oklahoma for the foreseeable future, instead of training with Horton in Houston.  He mentioned that he really enjoys training in Norman, taking part in mock meets and working hard with Alex Naddour on pommel horse.

Danell Leyva was asked about his decision to train at home (Universal Gymnastics) with his Dad (Yin Alvarez) instead of competing at the collegiate level.  He mentioned the fact that he had received money and determined that it would be more comfortable for him to train in a familiar environment.  Leyva also discussed why he decided to drop out of the Japan Cup.  He thought it was too soon after his recent competitions at the French International and Pacific Rim Championships.  Also, he thought his performance at the Qualifier was a great tune-up for VISAs.  Leyva was ebullient and gracious when asked about his friendly rivalry with Horton and Brooks on high bar, admitting that "Horton probably has a higher start value."  He was very steadfast when stating that he definitely sees his future as an all-arounder and not a specialist.

Horton was his usual upbeat self commenting on Hamm’s return and the current state of men’s gymnastics.  Upon hearing the news about Hamm, he said he got "pumped and amped-up" about how Hamm’s return would energize the team.  Asked about the team’s goal for 2012, he reiterated that the team’s goal has never changed, as far as he’s concerned, since he has been a member of the National Team.  "We expect to be able to compete well enough to make it to the top of the podium."

Horton was very excited about the high level of talent in both the junior and senior ranks.  He said he can’t recall ever seeing so much talent on all six events.  He is amazed at what many of the younger guys are doing now, especially on floor, pommel horse, rings and vault.  When asked about the situation at Cal, he was very concerned and agreed that Title IX needs to be reformed to address Olympic sports like men’s gymnastics and wrestling.  Finally, he lamented the lack of television coverage for men’s gymnastics and thought that broadcasting JO Nationals and additional meets would be good ideas to help increase popularity of the sport.  Horton said he’d love to sit at a table full of marketing gurus to figure out a way to better promote the sport.

Be Sociable, Share!

•