Orozco became a Tae-Kwon-Do black belt at the tender age of 8 and started his gymnastics career at the age of 9. It was his father, William Orozco, who prompted the champion’s career after signing his son up for a free trial of gymnastics classes. Although he was too young for the gym, Orozco impressed gym directors with his strength and agility and was offered a full training scholarship.
Years of expensive commuting from the Bronx to training classes resulted in Orozco finishing 13th in the all-around at the 2005 Junior Olympic National Championships in Houston. He quickly began gaining numerous titles including the junior national all-around titles at the 2007-09 Visa Championships and several U.S. event titles: floor exercise (2009), pommel horse (2009), still rings (2007, 2009), vault (2008), parallel bars (2007-09) and horizontal bar (2007-09).
Orozco’s multicultural background (both of his parents are of Puerto Rican descent) is reflective in his diverse hobbies outside the gym: hip-hop dancing, pop music, reading and acting. A budding actor, Orozco has been featured as an extra in 3 episodes of Law and Order and was recently featured in the Gym Class Heroes’ video “The Fighter.”
Throughout their gymnastics journey, the Orozco family has faced numerous financial and health problems -problems that only serve as fuel to John’s dream of getting his family out of the Bronx. Orozco credits his parents for his success stating, “[They] are my backbone; they are there for me through the good times and the hard times, helping me follow my dream.” That dream has lead Orozco to entering the 2012 Olympics as one of the top gymnasts in the world.
For more info on the "Silent Ninja" Check out his official United States gymnastics profile.
Foodie Note - Orozco's favorite food is Skirt Steak with Rice!
