On Monday, January 31, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. presented John Orozco, a resident of the Soundview section of The Bronx, with a Citation of Merit in recognition of his outstanding career as a gymnast. Borough President Diaz also named Orozco an “ambassador of The Bronx.”
John Orozco, 18 years old, started in gymnastics at the age of eight and has been considered a teenage prodigy, winning the U.S. Men's junior title for the past three years. At the age of 15 he won gold at the Junior Olympic National Championships, capturing the all-around title by winning five events – the floor exercise, rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bars. Orozco was featured recently in Sport Illustrated as one of 16 “Stars of Tomorrow.”
“He is a truly inspiring individual who is worthy of the honor being given to him by my office. Through hard work and determination, John has become a big star in a very hard and competitive sport. He is a great example for many other kids in our borough and I have no doubt he will be wearing the Team USA uniform in the next Olympic Games. The Bronx is very proud of him,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
“It’s an honor to receive a citation of merit from Borough President Diaz. More importantly, I am very proud that he bestowed on me the responsibility of being an ambassador of The Bronx, something that at such an early age I would never have imagined I could accomplish. I hope I can live up to the honor and responsibility so that I can continue being a positive role model to other kids from The Bronx,” said John Orozco.
In December 2010 Orozco relocated to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs to continue his training as part of the USA Olympic Team, eyeing the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.
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