2012 Olympic hopeful John Orozco has decided to go pro.
Orozco, one of the top U.S. men at the 2011 Worlds (5th all-around, 2nd all around after team prelims) made the decision to give up his NCAA eligibility -- and future scholarship opportunities -- in order to accept prize money and fees for appearances.
"It was a pretty tough decision for me, but I've finally made up my mind," Orozco tweeted Sunday, after nearly a year of debating and occassionally musing on Twitter whether or not he should keep his eligibility.
With the Olympics only seven months away, the pressure is on the U.S.'s top gymnasts about whether or not to turn professional. On the one hand, there are perks to pro-dom: prize money, appearance fees, endorsement deals and what is said to be a very generous sum for participating on the post-Olympic tour for those who make the team.
On the other hand, a college education is estimated to be worth around $100,000 these days.
Orozco, 18, follows fellow World team members Jordyn Wieber and Aly Raisman, who both turned pro within the past few weeks.
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