达内尔•莱瓦（Danell Leyva）的母亲19年前带着两个孩子——包括还是婴儿的达内尔——逃离古巴，全家人希望在美国过上更好的生活。

对一个家庭来说这是迈出有风险的重大一步，但是这一步路走对了，而且可能因此帮助形成了莱瓦的体育观。他在接受体操博客网（gymnastics391.blogspot）的采访时说：“我绝对喜欢濒临危境。”“上单杠会带来巨大的兴奋感。”莱瓦在2012年美国杯（American Cup）比赛中做出了一系列大胆动作，并在腾空下翻时以一种看似不经意的轻松抓住杠把。

现年20岁的莱瓦在2012年美国杯冠军赛中赢得男子体操金牌，非常有可能代表美国参加2012年伦敦奥运会。由母亲和继父担任教练的莱瓦也在2011年的比赛中夺得双杠世界冠军。他对体操博客说：“能够代表美国参加比赛是一大殊荣。从没有比这更让我高兴的了。”

Cuban-born U.S. gymnast Danell Leyva, 20, is a top prospect to represent the United States at the 2012 London Olympics. Learn why he enjoys performing on the high bar.

When gymnast Danell Leyva’s mother fled Cuba with her two children — including baby Danell — 19 years ago, the family was hoping to find a better life in the United States.

It was a big and risky step for a family to make, but it has worked out well and may have influenced Leyva’s approach to his sport. “I definitely like living on the edge of danger,” he said in an interview with gymnastics391.blogspot. “Going onto the high bar is a huge, huge adrenaline rush.” At the 2012 American Cup, Leyva unleashed a series of four daring release moves on the high bar, flinging himself into the air and then, in a manner that looked almost casual, grabbing the bar on his way down.

Leyva, now 20, won the 2012 American Cup Championships in men’s gymnastics and is a top prospect to represent the United States at the 2012 London Olympics. Coached by his mother and stepfather, Leyva is also the 2011 world champion on the parallel bars.

“Being able to compete for the U.S. is a great privilege and a great honor,” he told the blog. “It’s the best feeling I’ve ever felt.”