Horton Named to 2008 Olympic Team

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Former Sooner Jonathan Horton was one of two gymnasts selected to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team on Saturday following the second day of the men's all-around finals at the Olympic Trials at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia.

Horton put together the top overall score and performance in front of the selection committee, which takes into account the scores at the Visa Championships (last May) and the Olympic Trials.

The Houston, Texas, native joins Paul Hamm as the first two members selected to represent the United States in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing starting in August. The rest of the six-man team is expected to be finalized on Sunday, June 22.

"I have worked my whole life for this and I am so excited right now," said Horton. "I was just having fun, loving the sport and doing what I can do. I have had some struggles this year but I got back in the gym and worked hard and told myself I would make this team. I am more confident and comfortable with my gymnastics right now than any other time in my life."

Horton's 90.750 overall score topped the remainder of the top five totals which included Joseph Hagerty (89.940), Raj Bhavsar (89.860), David Durante (89.715) and Alexander Artemev (89.270).

Photos and Results | Jonathan Horton - Bound for Beijing

On Saturday, Horton was solid across the board on the six events, keyed by his 16.150 tally on the vault, the second best total on the apparatus on Saturday. The former Sooner also posted the second best scores on the still rings (15.950), floor exercise (15.650) and parallel bars (15.650).

In addition, Horton's all-around total (91.650) on Saturday topped the entire field and bested his score from the opening day of the competition on Thursday (90.550).

"I was extremely proud of his performance today and I am just thrilled that he has fulfilled a life-long dream," said OU head coach Mark Williams, who has been training with Horton. "He won the Olympic Trials against a very competitive field, so that says a lot about how special of an athlete that he is. It's been an amazing journey with Jonathan, an athlete that has helped our program win three national championships, and I know he will represent the United States with pride in the Summer Olympics."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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