Relaxed Mikulak Looks Poised as Blackhorse at Worlds in Nanning
American Samuel Mikulak is being viewed by Team USA as someone to look for in helping his squad win the all-around title.
Mikulak currently sits in 16th, well behind current leader Kohei Uchimura of Japan.
Being an underdog, but with a lot of potential, the 21-year-old admits he's somewhat overwhelmed by the attention.
"Oh, it's a great honor to be put on that … I think he is the greatest gymnast that gymnastics has ever had in history. To be compared to that is very humbling to me and I can only go out and put on a great show and live up to their expectations. "
Though full of respect for his opponents, Mikulak says it could be most desirable to be crowned in Nanning as his birthday falls just one day after the tournament on the 13th.
"Hopefully, with some good competitions here. I mean we come here to compete and to win medals. That would be greatest birthday present in the world. I can only hope my gymnastics is… I put in the work in the past couple of months.. That can happen."
Mikulak also has a lot of praise for his teammates for helping him overcome his jitters.
"I think our team did very good with cancelling out the nerves. Everyone has a lot of energy, cheering each other on and it really make you forget about the crowd you are performing in front of. And it makes me feel I am just performing in front of my teammates. They did really well with that and I think that's the strongest point of our team."
The all-around finals take place this Thursday.
The line-up vying for Uchimura's title includes China's Deng Shudi and teammate Cheng Ran, who are currently third and fifth respectively.
For CRI, this is Hai Peng in Nanning.
