Gym Class Heroes Go For Olympic Glory In 'Fighter' Video

Band takes MTV News behind the scenes of upcoming clip, which stars Olympic hopeful John Orozco.
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Hugh Swingle

Gym Class Heroes' Travie McCoy
Photo: MTV News

In previous videos, Gym Class Heroes have shown off their "mutant powers," gone gritty, and even gotten in touch with their inner Lucius Blacks.

But in their upcoming clip for "The Fighter," they're taking a different tack: They're getting real.

"The video is part documentary-style, part-performance [and] it follows the life of John Orozco, a young, up-and-coming, hopefully gold medalist from the Bronx," GCH frontman Travie McCoy told MTV News on the set of the video. "Plus, an awesome, energetic performance from us and Ryan Tedder."

Orozco's story — from a talented Bronx gymnast to training at the U.S. facility in Colorado Springs to perhaps this country's best chance of snagging a gold at the London Olympics — has already caught the attention of outlets like the New York Times, and GCH are hoping their new video will only add to his profile. And provide a soundtrack to his success too.

"Ryan did his thing on the hook, he adds the extra punch," McCoy said. "And with the Olympics and stuff coming up, I think it's going to be the anthem for a lot of people to get pumped up to."

Of course, there are other benefits to having one of the most hotly tipped Olympic hopefuls star in your new video. Namely, you can let someone else stand beneath the spotlight, which, thankfully, takes the pressure off the Heroes and their less-than-stellar acting chops.

"It's great doing a video like this because I feel like a lot of other videos we shoot, we end up sticking to somewhat of a script and act," drummer Matt McGinley laughed. "And I mean, I'm a musician, so it's great to be doing what comes natural."

Are you looking forward to the Heroes' upcoming video? Tell us in the comments!

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