This is a pretty big stage for us

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Jonathan Horton is only 5-foot-1, but he seems larger than life when you watch him compete, and thats just what Minnesota fans are doing this weekend at Team USAs Visa Championships at the Xcel Energy Center. Horton was named to the U.S. Olympic team following the 2008 trials, where he won the all-around competition. The team entered the Beijing Olympics facing skepticism over whether it could compete against more established teams from Japan, China and Germany. Injuries had forced team leaders Paul Hamm and Morgan Hamm to withdraw from competition, causing the Americans to bring in alternates Raj Bhavsar and Alexander Artemev. Team USA performed better than many had anticipated winning a bronze medal -- and Horton was the top performer, taking the silver medal in the high bar event. Now hes the one of the star attractions at this weekends national championships and a favorite of Dennis McIntyre, the director of the U.S. men's gymnastics program. "Jonathan has worked extremely hard to get where he is right now, and he is probably the most recognized person on our team, McIntyre said. What separates him in our world is how well he works with others and what a great role model he is for our younger guys. We are very fortunate to have Jonathan on our team, and this weekend is just another step in the process of getting this team ready to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games." Hours before he competed in the mens finals Friday night, Horton was the subject of this edition of 5 Questions 1.KG: When was the moment when you were a youngster that you knew this is what you wanted to do? HORTON: The 1996 Atlanta Olympics was probably one of the most successful years for United States gymnastics. With the Magnificent Seven, it had a lot of household names, including people like Shannon Miller and Dominique Moceanu. They won the gold medal, and I remember watching (and thinking) that's what I want to do. I wanted to take this seriously, and I wanted to go to the Olympics and win a medal myself. I was 11 years old at the time, and it really inspired and motivated me.2.KG: What does the typical training day look like for you? HORTON: I work out about six hours a day. I go in in the morning from 10 a.m. to noon and then I go back again in the afternoon from 2 to 6 p.m. My workouts consist of doing the same thing over and over again. It's pretty monotonous, but the repetition is what you need in this sport. You have to do a million routines before you have it down. My diet is a strict one with mostly grilled chicken and potatoes so I can stay lean. It really comes down to setting the proper habits and just getting into a routine every day.3.KG: How important are the U.S. championships this weekend for the 2012 games? HORTON: Obviously, we are all competing with each other to get the the highest level possible, so it is very intense and very important. The harder we push each other this weekend, the better I think we will be down the road. I know Dannell (Leyva) wants this championship, and it is my job to make sure he doesn't get it. However we are good friends away from the competition and we will likely be teammates in the 2012 Games. This is a pretty big stage for us and a great tool for all of us to try and get ready for the world stage the Olympics provide.4.KG: What are some of your favorite things to do away from gymnastics? HORTON: I got married about two years ago, so most of my free time I spend with my wife. We really enjoy seeing movies together, and we are both kind of adrenaline junkies. We both have motorcycles and love to take them for a spin together. Most people see my wife, who is only 4-foot-11, and think What is she really going to do on that motorcycle? But she's not afraid to take jumps or get it up to some pretty high speeds. We also enjoy action sports and things like that, but sometimes we just have a nice low-key date and play some golf, too.5.KG: What are your plans after your gymnastics career is over? HORTON: I have thought about some things to do after gymnastics, but there are too many options to just limit it to one right now. I haven't totally put my mind to it yet. I have done some small-time speaking engagements that I really enjoyed. I also think that broadcasting might be another way to go. It would keep me close to this sport, which I would love. I've even thought about opening up my own gymnastics facility. Its a the sky is the limit sort of thing, but I enjoy the youngsters and once again would be involved in the sport of gymnastics, which is a very good thing. The bottom line is that there is plenty of time to worry about the next step at a later date. Right now I am just happy to be where I am.