NEWARK, N.J. — John Orozco’s trip to the top of the podium wasn’t to build back up his confidence after a third injury that could have ended his gymnastics career, although it certainly can help there.
Rather, it was about healing, part of the process Orozco continues as he tries to overcome the toughest year of his life while making a second Olympic team. Every good day in the gym, each good competition he has, Orozco finds himself better after a year that included the death of his mother, Damaris, followed by a second torn Achilles tendon.
“I think emotionally and mentally, I’m still mending myself,” he said, “but it takes, I think, competitions like these to get there.