Credits: USA Gymnastics
The U.S. men’s gymnastics team secured their first Olympic team medal since 2008, winning bronze in a thrilling competition against top contenders China, Japan, and Great Britain. Team members Frederick Richard, Brody Malone, Paul Juda, Asher Hong, and Stephen Nedoroscik etched their names into the history books on Monday with this long-awaited achievement.
The team edged out Great Britain for the third podium spot, with Japan and China taking gold and silver, respectively. The U.S. athletes’ celebrations were reminiscent of the rowdiest college meets, filled with cheers and emotional moments as they supported each other through every routine.
Securing the bronze medal was a significant accomplishment for the U.S. men, marking only their third team medal in the last 20 years. The decisive moment came during the final rotation on the pommel horse, a notoriously challenging apparatus. Nedoroscik, known for his prowess on the pommel horse, delivered a critical routine after a nerve-wracking 2½-hour wait, clinching the medal for the team.
The U.S. men started strong, particularly excelling on the still rings and vault, significantly improving their scores from the qualifying round where they had finished fifth. Juda’s flawless vault was a standout performance, prompting him to remark, “I was completely blacked out while I was running down the runway… I hit the table, and I just said, ‘All right, just hold it, just don’t fall. Just please don’t fall.'”
With two events remaining, the U.S. was in a leading position. The crowd in Paris’ Bercy Arena erupted with chants of “USA” as Hong delivered a solid performance on the parallel bars, propelling the team to second place before the high bar.
Richard shone throughout the final, performing a highly difficult high bar routine and sticking his landing, which would have secured a silver medal at the previous year’s world championships. “I knew I had the whole U.S. behind me,” Richard said, reflecting on his performance. “When you feel that deep in your heart, it happens, and you stick that landing.”
As the anchor on the floor exercise, Richard delivered a crucial routine, wrapping up the team’s penultimate rotation. His skills, including elements inspired by breakdancing, a sport debuting at the Paris Olympics, contributed to the team’s success.
Richard and Juda are set to compete in the all-around final on Wednesday, while Nedoroscik will aim for gold in the pommel horse final on Saturday. Malone, the U.S. national all-around champion, expressed his pride, saying, “We’re out here representing the best country in the world… It’s just an incredible feeling any time you get to wear USA on your chest, but especially at the Olympic Games.”