Blaine Wilson

The Columbus Dispatch

Brandon Wynn knew everyone was aiming for him, as if he were a chalk-spattered gunfighter who must defend his honor by wielding still rings instead of a pistol.

In other words, the Ohio State senior gymnast was in his element on the final night of the three-day NCAA championship meet.

“He takes a lot of pride in that,” OSU co-head coach Blaine Wilson said. “He enjoys and thrives on knowing he can come in and get it done.”

Wynn did just that last night at St. John Arena and became the first Buckeye to win consecutive NCAA championships on the still rings since Wilson, a three-time Olympian, did so in 1996 and ’97.

The OSU senior’s methodical score of 16.000 wasn’t his career-high, but good enough for his 21st consecutive win in that event since September 2009.

“He was awesome, as always,” OSU co-coach Doug Stibel said. “He showed he’s clearly the best guy in the country on rings. He shows it week in and week out.” (read more)

‘It’s just brute strength’: Buckeye is in several gymnastics events, but it’s on torturous rings that he’s a champion

The Columbus Dispatch

The sight is mesmerizing, almost magical.

A man is suspended nearly 10 feet in the air, grasping a ring in each hand, arms outstretched, body parallel to the floor, an airplane in human form.

“It looks like you’re floating,” Brandon Wynn said.

He knows that sensation, as well as the pain that comes from preparation and performance on the rings in gymnastics.

Last year, Wynn won a U.S. championship on rings and was the top American finisher in that event when he placed 10th at the World Championships. The Ohio State senior is aiming to make the 2012 U.S. Olympic team.

First up is the NCAA men’s championship from Thursday through Saturday in St. John Arena, where Wynn hopes to win his second consecutive NCAA title in rings.

Wynn is good enough at vault, high bar, parallel bars, pommel horse and floor exercise to have been a member of the past two U.S. national teams, but one event defines his reputation.

“He’s our top guy on the rings,” said Dennis McIntyre, men’s program director for USA Gymnastics.

One look at Wynn and you know why. It appears Marvel comics sketched the native of Voorhees, N.J. His muscles have muscles.

“Brandon Wynn is a specimen,” said OSU co-head coach Blaine Wilson, a three-time Olympian. “The front part of his shoulders is so big, his back goes forward.”

Gymnasts call it gorilla posture, all the better to meet the grueling sport’s demands. And the rings test a gymnast’s strength like no other event.

They’re suspended for about 30 seconds in a routine, and must perform swings, handstands and cross positions. Each strength move is required to be held for at least two seconds.

“It’s just brute strength,” Wynn said, “when you’re doing these maneuvers.” (read more)