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Miami’s golden boy Danell Leyva, now an Olympic bronze medalist, arrived home Wednesday night to a throng of proud family members and awe-struck fans at Miami International Airport.
After a first hug for his grandmother -- and after many dozens more -- Leyva showed off his medal as the crowd clapped and made music.
In his first stint at the Olympics, Leyva earned the bronze for men’s all-around competition in London -- possibly thanks to good vibes from his now famous lucky towel.
He told waiting journalists he plans to compete in two more Olympics: "I didn’t do the perfect competition like I was supposed to, so I know that there’s room for improvement, and I’m happy about it, because next time will be gold."
Leyva's mother Maria Gonzalez and stepfather Yin Alvarez, both members of a Cuban gymnastics team, defected to the United States in the early 90's. Alvarez then opened a gym in South Miami that now boasts 150 students -- one of them, Leyva himself.
Since Leyva became a local celebrity, CBS Miami reports, people have been calling the gym nonstop wanting to become just like the hometown bronze medalist.
Some of them might need a time machine: Miami's first-ever Olympic gymnast started his career at just 3 years old.
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