Horton Headed To Olympic Trials

NORMAN, Okla. -- Ever since he was four year's old, Jonathan Horton has dreamed of becoming an Olympian. After 18 years of hard work, the time and opportunity has arrived for the 22-year-old Houston, Texas, native to make his Olympic dream come true. Horton will compete with 14 others at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, June 19-22, at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pa.

"This is what I have worked for my whole life," Horton said. "I am more ready than I've ever been. I am focused on making the U.S. Team and helping them do well at the Olympics."

Horton recently finished second in the all-around at last month's 2008 Visa U.S. National Championships and completed his outstanding collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma with 18 All-America honors and six individual national titles, while helping the Sooners win three NCAA National Championships during his four years in Norman.

Since the Visa U.S. National Championships, Horton has been in the gym training and polishing every single routine down to the last detail in hopes of becoming "Bound for Beijing."

Jonathan Horton - Bound for Beijing

"I am right where I want to be right now. I am both physically and mentally prepared," added Horton. "I am confident and feel like I have a good chance to make the Olympic team. I am ready to compete and prove to the Olympic Committee that I belong on the team."

Oklahoma men's gymnastics head coach Mark Williams, who will also be in Philadelphia this weekend, likes Horton's chances this week as he has been helping the Olympic hopeful with his training and preparation.

"Jon is as prepared as he's ever been," stated Williams. "He is in the best physical shape. He is a fantastic gymnast and I believe his best performances are yet to come. He finished in fourth place at the 2007 World Championships and has a good chance to play a part on the U.S. Team and help them earn a medal at the Olympics."

Horton will be competing for one of only six spots on the U.S. Olympic Team. If selected, Horton would become only the second gymnast in school history to be selected to the U.S. Olympic Team and first since two-time gold medalist Bart Conner competed in the 1976, 1980, and 1984 Olympic Games. At the 2004 Olympic Games, former OU assistant coach Guard Young helped the U.S. Team earn a silver medal in Athens, Greece.

"It would be an honor to be selected to the U.S. Olympic Team and represent my country," Horton commented. "To follow in the same footsteps as Bart Conner, someone who is an idol of mine, would be a great feeling. I am enjoying every single moment of this experience."

The Men's All-Around Finals are scheduled to air live on NBC on Saturday June 21 at 4:30 p.m. (ET).

USA gymnastics will have complete coverage of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, including news, photos, scores and quick hit commentary, on their official website, usa-gymnastics.org.

The 2008 Summer Olympics will be held August 8-24 in Beijing, China.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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