A training video shows that irrepressible world bronze medalist Jonathan Horton is up to his old tricks -- but he's also got some new ones, too.
In a training video from May, Horton showed a Lou Yun on floor at his training gym, Cypress Gymnastics Academy in Houston. The skill, named after the Chinese gymnast who pioneered it in the 1980s, is basically a full-twisting double layout where the gymnast splits his legs as he launches into the first part of the element.
It's daring and a bit wild -- in other words, perfect for Horton, whose nickname is "X-Games." If he chooses to add it to his routine, Horton would likely do it as his second tumbling pass, replacing the double twisting double tuck he does now. Would it be too much to speculate that Horton might move the double double to the end of his routine, replacing the full-twisting double he dismounts with now?
Anyways, check the video out here, or click the video image off to the left to view footage. Horton also shows some seriously improved pommel work -- his bodyline seems about three inches longer, even though he noted that he is still straining a bit with the endurance required for his routine.
Elsewhere, Horton and co. are up to their usual mischief. Late in this seven-minute clip you get some classic mischief from Horton with 2010 World teammates Brandon Wynn and Chris Brooks (who was in the middle of cutting his own hair) "just to show everyone how stupid we really are!" Horton wrote gleefully while cutting the video together. Enjoy!
Fun fact: The innovative Lou Yun of China was also the first man to do a handspring front layout with 1.5 twists on vault.
Note: The Lou Yun is kind of popular among the U.S. men right now. Former U.S. champion David Sender showed off the skill at the 2009 U.S. Championships, while John Orozco did it in 2010.
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