Jonathan Horton And McKayla Maroney Receive An Olympic Sized Welcome At CHOA!

Seacrest Studios at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta happily welcomed U.S. Olympic gymnasts Jonathan Horton and McKayla Maroney last week to visit with patients and families.

The two Olympians gave a fun interview that included everything from Halloween costumes to their experiences in London for the 2012 Olympic Games. In town for only a few hours before continuing with their 40-city national gymnastics tour, both athletes were very excited to be there. And they weren’t the only ones who were excited.

One young patients, Aaron, was there early. He is a big fan of Horton and said one of his friends “is completely in love with him.” He made sure to get a photo and autograph to brag about later. Part of the interview was a fast paced question and answer session, where 26-year-old Horton poked fun at himself for being the oldest man on the team, and Maroney, 16, joined in good-naturedly calling him “Dad.” The friends seem to have a lot of fun together on the tour. After all, as Maroney points out, “if you’re not having fun, then what’s the point?”

When the interview was over, the gymnasts signed autographs, posed for pictures and joked with patients, family and staff. Maroney had a good time being playful for the camera. She was a great sport about taking pictures featuring her infamous “not impressed” face she became associated with during the Olympics. After they complete the Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions, both Horton and Maroney have their sights set on competing in the 2016 Olympic Games. B

eyond that? Maroney wants to act—she recently filmed a role on the CW’s Hart of Dixie and can soon be seen on ABCFamily’s Pretty Little Liars. Horton may have the acting bug, too, but in more of a stuntman capacity, and he’s always thought about opening his own gym. One thing they both want to try: Dancing with the Stars. They definitely have built-in fans at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

We thank Jonathan and McKayla for stopping by and hope they visit CHOA again soon!