Dalton Delivers U.S. Bronze

NANNING, China – With one final routine remaining and a podium spot on the line, former Sooner Jake Dalton stepped onto the floor ready to begin the defining moment for the U.S. Men's Gymnastics team at the 2014 World Championships in Nanning, China.

The U.S. needed Dalton to score a 14.701 or better on the floor exercise to pass Great Britain for the bronze medal. Just as he has done so many times in the past, Dalton turned in a memorable, clutch performance with a score of 15.900 to give the team the bronze medal.

“Jake had a great night competing for the world team,” said OU and U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Mark Williams. “He did four events and provided excellent leadership as the captain to the team. The final routine of the night was Jake nailing his floor routine to capture the bronze medal for team USA!”

China, the hosts, won the World Championships with a total score of 273.369 with Japan earning silver with a 273.269. The U.S. posted a final score of 270.369 to round out the top three teams.

“Team USA was amazing tonight,” said Williams. “The guys really put it all together when they needed to, battling Great Britain for the bronze medal. Jake sealed the position on the podium with a tremendous floor routine and sticking the dismount. It was a hard fought effort to get back on the award stand after the disappointment at the London Olympics. I'm very proud to have been on the competition floor with these guys.”

With Williams at the helm of the U.S. squad, the team managed to repeat as bronze medalists at the World Championships, also claiming third in 2011 in Tokyo, Japan. The bronze medal is the latest accomplishment on Williams' long resume, marking the first podium finish as head coach of the U.S. National Team at the World Championships.

Although the team finals are complete, Dalton and another OU alum, Alex Naddour, have each qualified for event finals. Naddour posted the second best score on the pommel horse during the prelims to earn a spot in the event final. Dalton will compete in two finals at the World Championships for the first time in his career, as he will compete in the floor exercise and vault finals.

NBC will rebroadcast the World Championships on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. CT and Sunday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. CT.

Get inside looks at the Sooners throughout the season by liking the OU Men's Gymnastics Facebook page and by following the team on Twitter and Instagram using the handle @OU_MGymnastics.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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