2012 London Olympics

Horton Epitomizes the Fighting Spirit of Team USA

Horton Epitomizes the Fighting Spirit of Team USA

Horton Epitomizes the Fighting Spirit of Team USA

Jul 30, 2012 by Anne Phillips
Horton Epitomizes the Fighting Spirit of Team USA

Jonathan Horton is the only returning Olympian on the 2012 USA gymnastics team. You likely remember him from his heroic performances four years ago in Beijing, leading Team USA to an unlikely bronze medal.

Here in London, Horton and Team USA came out firing during preliminary competition, posting the highest score of any team. Today's Team Finals, however, were a different story. 

As the leaders from prelims, the Americans started their competition on floor and the Olympic newcomers fell victim to the undeniable nerves of the 3-up, 3-count Team Finals format. They dug themselves into a hole early with three falls in the first two rotations. They were in last place. 

Horton huddled up the guys before their final event, and the guys delivered three gutsy performances on high bar to end their day in 5th place. 

Despite what some would call a devastating day, Team USA's mood in the mixed zone remained positive, mainly for Horton, who head coach Kevin Mazeika called, "the heart, soul, and spirit of this team".

Here's what Horton had to say after the team's disappointing performance in the Olympic Team Final. 




When you woke up this morning, did you think gold was in your reach today?
"You know I felt, deep down inside, that this could be the day. And I kept telling the guys, you know, we could come back to the Olympic Village as Olympic Champions tonight. And, maybe that was a little of my fault that I kept showing that. Maybe I should have kept everyone a little more relaxed. But I really feel like we’re a good team, I’m proud of the guys. But yeah, I did think that we could have done it today. There’s disappointment. There’s no way to get rid of that. It’s just gonna make me and the rest of the guys work harder." 


When you huddled up the guys before high bar, the last event, what did you say?
"I just wanted to get the guys together and remind them of who we are and what we’re all about. And I just told them, medal or no medal, we’re going to fight until the last guy lands his dismount. And that’s what we did. We did three great high bar routines - John, me, and then Danell. And, there was nothing else that we could do - that was it. And I think we showed our heart at that moment. It’s an emotional time to walk away from the Olympics not doing what you want to do, but I just wanted to remind the guys, look, one more event to go. Fight to the very end."


Did you figure the medal chances were gone after pommel horse?
"No. I don’t look at things like that. We could have fallen... ten times, and in my head, we could still do it. It’s not over until the last person lands. It wasn’t until before high bar that I knew this was going to be really, really tough." 


What did you tell John Orozco after he fell on his vault?
"I just told him to keep his head up, and to remember that there are two more events to go, six more routines, and one vault isn’t going to make or break the team. You know, it’s definitely tough to come into a competition and have such high expectation for yourself and to struggle. I just wanted to remind him, hey, you’re an Olympian. You’re doing what you have to do, just keep fighting. I know I keep using the word fight, but that’s what this team is all about." 


Many people talked about counting China and Japan out after prelims, did you?
"No, no, no. I never counted either of those teams out. They’re phenomenal competitors. I know what they’re capable of. They know how to put on the best performance at the right time. And I think it'll continue to take a lot of work to beat those two teams." 


You just did a full twisting double layout off high bar today, in the finals, will we see more?
"I dont know (laughs) I got a little tired at the end of the routine today. And I think it was because I’d been sitting down the whole meet! I’ve never gone through a competition and only done two events, so I was a little bit drained from it.  It’s weird; when I compete more, I have more energy. I’ll probably do some triple doubles in the warmup, and see how it goes, but I’m just going to try and hit a really solid routine and see if I can put myself in the medals.


And the most important tidbit of information - 2-time Olympian Horton is not done:

“I might be getting older but I’m going to go home and train harder than I ever had.”

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