PHOTOS: John Cheng for USA Gymnastics
Excellent news. Out gymnast Josh Dixon is one step closer to London 2012 and has qualified for the U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Trials. Dixon placed 13th overall at the Visa Championships last weekend and was named to the U.S. Senior Men’s National Team, reports Outsports.
They will compete for one of six spots on Team USA at the Trials. Dixon told Outsports, "I’m excited, but more humbled and honored that the selection committee deemed me in the elite group of 15 guys who even get the opportunity to compete at our Olympic Trials. I’ve always dreamed of being one of the top gymnasts in the country. Now that I’m in that group, it’s a tremendous honor."
The Olympic trials will be held June 28-July 1 in Dixon's hometown of San Jose. The Senior Men’s National Team also includes R20 faves Danell Leyva and John Orozco.
The 22-year-old gymnast—who is Black and Japanese—is a recent graduate of Stanford University and was ranked first in the nation on the men's floor exercises. Dixon publicly came out last month and hopes to become the very "first out American gymnast at the Olympics". Only two American men were ever out publicly at the Olympics.
Dixon becomes the second openly gay world class gymnast hoping to compete at London 2012. The other gymnast is also Black and biracial: 25-year-old Dutch athlete Jeffrey Wammes, who came out in April 2011. Wammes was one of seven shirtless jocks to cover L’HOMO, a special edition of Linda Magazine.
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Congratulations Josh !!!
Posted by: Larry | 15 June 2012 at 09:37
I need to do some research. I havent heard of Josh before....
He and John Orozco could make some noise in London
Posted by: fff | 15 June 2012 at 12:56
I really want Josh in London but his weakest events are Americas weakest events and his strongest events are not the strongest in America. But maybe he didn't show everything yet, hopefully she surprises us because he had a great nationals.
Posted by: CAJIVA | 15 June 2012 at 14:10
Well he seems like a very determined young man. If he makes the team it would be a great story and truly inspirational. And he's got brains, body, and beauty. A lethal combination indeed. I wish him all the best in his quest.
Posted by: Mikey-He Likes It | 18 June 2012 at 09:18