2016 Olympics: Meet the USA Men's Gymnastics Team Members
After two long days of Olympic Trials in St. Louis on June 23 and 25, the names of the men who would be advancing to Team USA in the 2016 Olympics have been announced. There were 18 athletes in the Senior Men category, but only five were called upon to advance to Rio. Kevin Mazeika, the men’s national team coordinator, said: “They poured their hearts out and put it all on the floor. We only got to pick five of them. It’s heartbreaking that not all of them get to go to Rio.”
Here’s your first look at the men who will represent USA in the upcoming Olympics games in Rio.
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1/5Sam Mikulak, 23
Originally from California, Sam is no stranger to the Olympics. He was a part of the 2012 team that came in 5th place at the London Olympics. For Sam, gymnastics seems to be in his blood: His parents were both skilled at the sport, and he started taking lessons at the age of 2. His goal is to be a successful international gymnast, and it sure seems like he’s going to achieve that dream. You can follow Sam on Twitter and Instagram.
2/5Jake Dalton, 24
Jake Dalton hails from Reno, Nevada, and attended the University of Oklahoma for college, where he was a Human Relations major. Athleticism runs in Jake’s family; his parents played basketball and softball, and his sister is also a gymnast. Jake was inspired to become a gymnast after seeing the '80s film American Anthem, and began taking lessons at just 5 years old. He was part of the 2012 Olympic team in London, and he strives to break the stereotype that gymnastics is just for girls. You can keep up with Jake on Twitter and Instagram.
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3/5John Orozco, 23
John Orozco hails from the Bronx in New York City and like Jake Dalton and Sam Mikulak, he was a member of the 2012 Olympic team. Orozco’s spot on the 2016 team came after a series of difficult tragedies; his mother passed away suddenly on Valentine’s Day in 2015, and later that year, he tore his Achilles tendon. Orozco told NBC the night he was placed on the team, “My mom was there the whole time. I know she’s looking down on me, and she’s so proud.” John is on Twitter and Instagram.
4/5Chris Brooks, 29
A native of Houston, Texas, Chris began taking gymnastics lessons at 5 years old, along with his two siblings. He was a replacement athlete for the 2012 Olympic team and was often considered the underdog in this year’s trials. Chris dedicated his place on this year’s team to all of the people who have supported him, especially his father, who passed away in 2008. You can follow Chris on Twitter and Instagram.
5/5Alex Naddour, 25
Alex Naddour calls Arizona his home state, and he still resides there today. Just like Chris Brooks, he was a replacement athlete for the 2012 Olympic team, and he called this year’s achievement “a lifetime of hard work.” In the trials, Naddour was the only gymnast to complete all 24 routines without a single mistake. Landing a spot on Team USA wasn’t the only major milestone of Alex’s year; his baby daughter Lilah was born this past February. Alex told NBC that his daughter has been a source of motivation for him, and her existence is a reminder for him that “life is good.” Alex is on social media, and you can follow his success on Twitter and Instagram.
