US Gymnast Overcomes Setbacks to Win Bronze

After a disappointing performance by the Men's Gymnastics Team at the London Olympics, American Gymnast Danell Leyva must have felt discouraged about competing as an individual in just 48 hours.

Especially having taken much of the blame upon himself for his mistakes on pommel horse, things must have seemed dismal for Danell. Instead of giving up, however, he gave his 100% throughout the individual all-around competition, walking away with an unexpected, but well-earned, bronze medal.

Truly showing how rewarding perseverance and determination can be, Leyva fought his fears of disappointing the U.S. team again head on, giving the final blow with his world class high bar routine.Entering his final event, high bar, Danell was hovering in 5th place. His score, many gymnasts would think, was too far away from the leading competitors to earn him a medal, but Danell persevered once more, knowing that a nearly flawless routine with a solid landing could secure him a medal.

A nearly flawless routine is exactly what he gave! High level release moves were caught with absolute precision. Technical in-bar element combinations were executed perfectly. After what seemed like an eternity of a jam packed routine, Leyva set for his dismount, a monstrous double twisting double layout, and the stage was set for Danell Leyva, and his country, to hope that it could boost him to a medal.

Leyva retreated to wait under his lucky towel (a towel he uses in all of his competitions.) The anticipation was over when his final all-around score of 90.698 was posted. Leyva flew into his coach's (step-dad's) arms, and celebrated as they knew that Danell Leyva had shown the world that the U.S. team still is, and always will be, a contender in the games.