Legendre Wins Silver in London Vault Finals

Jan. 13, 2012

NORMAN, Okla. - Former University of Oklahoma gymnast Steven Legendre won the silver medal on vault at the 2012 Olympic Test Event on Friday at North Greenwich Arena in London.

Legendre earned a 15.800 on his first vault and a 15.933 on his second, posting a 15.866 average. Ukraine's Igor Radivilov slipped past Legendre to claim gold with a 16.249 average score. Great Britain's Kristian Thomas took third with a 15.849 two-vault average.

"Steve did a fantastic job taking advantage of an opportunity," said OU Head Coach Mark Williams. "He did two very good vaults and positioned himself as one of the best vaulters in the world. This had been a good experience for him as he prepares for the Olympic Trials."

The Olympic Test Event, a part of the London Prepares Series, serves as a second qualifying event to the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The United States has already qualified for the Olympic Games, so the event is an opportunity to showcase skills in the Olympic venue.

Legendre represented the United States at the Test Event alongside Alex Buscaglia of Stanford University. Oklahoma Head Coach Mark Williams coached the two Americans throughout the competition.

Legendre advanced to the vault finals after scoring a 15.500 two-vault average in Tuesday's qualifier. The former Sooner claimed 13th place in the all-around with a 86.298 total.

One of the most decorated gymnasts in program history, Legendre is the 2011 Nissen-Emery Award winner. The 2009 NCAA all-around champion, Legendre owns Oklahoma records for career NCAA individual titles at six, a mark previously held by Olympic Silver and Bronze medalist Jonathan Horton. Legendre is also a 12-time All-American.

The United States qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games with the help of Legendre and three other OU gymnasts by taking third place at the 2011 World Championships this past October in Tokyo, Japan. Oklahoma junior Jake Dalton and OU letterwinners Horton and Alex Naddour were featured in the United States' six-man World Championship lineup. OU letterwinner Chris Brooks was the team's one alternate.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Legendre Wins Silver in London Vault Finals

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