Leyva beats Orozco, both gymnasts going to London

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Danell Leyva completed an incredible journey Saturday, earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team almost 20 years after he and his family arrived from Cuba.

Leyva edged U.S. champion John Orozco by almost a point, finishing with 368.35 points. But the two finished in the top three in at least three events, automatically qualifying them for the Olympic team. The remaining three members will be chosen by a selection committee, and the team will be announced Sunday.

When Leyva finished his parallel bars routine, he stood on the podium and looked at the crowd, soaking up the applause. When he climbed down, his stepfather and coach, Yin Alvarez, bowed down to him and wrapped him in a tight embrace. They had fled Cuba seeking freedom, and found Olympic glory instead.