NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Jake Dalton’s dream to become an Olympic gymnast started out as a way to make him a better baseball player.
Dalton was only 6 years old when his baseball coach suggested he try gymnastics to strengthen his pitching arm. He ended up falling in love with his new sport and just a few years later, he dropped baseball altogether.
Over the past year, Dalton has become a rising star in U.S. gymnastics. The former Oklahoma standout followed up a surprise win at the Winter Cup by winning bronze at the American Cup as an alternate, and now he has earned a spot on the U.S. team for the World Championships this week in Tokyo.
The Americans open competition Sunday.
