So, yeah, John Orozco is the righting national champion, ranked fourth to compete in the All-Around Men’s Gymnastics competition at the Olympics on Wednesday and helped bring his team to the top of the rankings for tonight’s team competition. But that’s not really why we can’t take our eyes off the 19-year-old gymnast from the Bronx. As much as we loved his vault during the qualifying round on Saturday night, here are five reasons we’re really drawn to Orozco.
1. He’s Still Johnny From The Block
Despite the fact that he grew up being teased in his Puerto Rican Bronx neighborhood, he’s not turning his back on his roots. And he still looks and acts like a typical New York teenager, not some cookie-cutter Olympian.
2. This Smile Is Infectious
It must wipe any potential faults clean off the mind of the judges.
3. He Inspires Us All in Gym Class Heroes’ “The Fighter” Video
The video shows him training, competing, running through the streets with a bunch of little kids, experiencing that awful torn Achilles’ tendon in 2010 and being an adorable little kid. Hearts. Melted.
4. His Teammates Call Him “Kung Fu Panda”
He explained to Gymnastike.com how his habit of sneaking food onto the competition floor and eating at all times led his friends to call him “Po.”
5. His Family Is Adorable Too
We dare you not to tear up as you watch his parents, Will and Damaris, talk about their son. And when you learn that while he was training to become a star, he worked extra hours at his gym to bring home extra cash for his struggling family. We adore watching Damaris cover her eyes as John competes, peaking through her fingers to see how he does. Also, judging by John’s Twitter, his older brothers are sweethearts too: They bought him a Honda Accord for Christmas!
[Photos: Getty Images, Twitter]
Related: Dana Vollmer Is Today’s Olympian To Watch As She Closes In On A World Record
Ryan Lochte And Michael Phelps Are Today’s Olympians To Watch, But Please Do Not Make Us Choose Between Them
The 50 Hottest Olympians Blazing London This Summer
