How to Follow the Olympics 2016 USA Men’s Gymnastics Team on Instagram
We are just days away from the 2016 Olympics opening ceremony in Rio, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to contain our excitement. The U.S.A. Men’s Gymnastics Team was announced earlier this summer, after 18 athletes competed for the coveted Olympic slots at the trials in St. Louis. Only five men were able to advance to the team.
The first medal event for gymnastics will air on Monday August 8, and there are multiple gymnastics events scheduled throughout the duration of the two weeks. As we get ready to count the days until the opening ceremony, there’s really only one thing to do: check out the Instagram pages of all the athletes that are going to be going for the gold. Obviously we appreciate these accomplished dudes for their athletic skills, but let's be real: They're not bad to look at either. And, their social media accounts are a perfect way to get an up-close look at the Summer Games. Here’s a look at the five men who will be going for the gold in Rio:
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@Jake_Dalton1/6Jake Dalton
25-year-old Jake Dalton is heading to his second Olympic games after competing in 2012. Originally from Reno, Nevada, he began taking gymnastics lessons at age 5 after being motivated by his baseball coach. Outside of gymnastics, Jake loves playing Xbox, watching Friends, and eating donuts (hey, us, too!). He has two adorable dogs named Chase and Chensey, both of which are lab mixes. Jake’s dogs are prominently featured on his Instagram, and they are really, really, cute.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@johnorozcousa2/6John Orozco
John Orozco is competing in his second Olympics this year, but he started taking gymnastics lessons at just 2 years old. Born and raised in the Bronx, this 24-year-old now resides in Colorado Springs. In addition to competing in gymnastics meets, John is a singer and an actor, and he loves soul and R&B music. John’s Instagram shows that he also loves to travel, and has a soft spot for motivational quotes.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@cbrooks_gym3/6Chris Brooks
29-year-old Chris Brooks is headed to his first Olympic games after being named an alternate in 2012. He began his gymnastics career early in his life after finding himself inspired by his gymnast father. Chris has an affinity for comedy, which is evident in his picks for his favorite TV shows, which include The League and That 70s Show. His sense of humor is also apparent on his Instagram page, where he posts a lot of selfies with silly (but adorable) faces.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@alex_naddour4/6Alex Naddour
The 2016 games will be Alex Naddour’s first time in the Olympics. Like Chris, he was also an alternate in 2012. Alex recently became a father; his daughter Lilah was born this past February, and he views his baby as his motivation. He is clearly a proud dad, as he posts a lot of precious photos of Lilah on his Instagram, including an “awww”-inducing pic of her wearing a tutu and matching pink headband.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@SamuelMikulak5/6Sam Mikulak
Californian Sam Mikulak is headed to his second Olympic games, after competing in 2012. His parents inspired him to take up gymnastics, as both his mother and father were also gymnasts. In addition to competing for gold medals, Sam is also a writer, and his Instagram shows that he loves hanging out with friends, his S.O. (darn), and that he enjoys meditating.
