Learned to Walk Again, Olympic Bronze Medalist Gymnast Embraces New Role Months After Making History at Paris Olympics

“The injury itself was pretty rough,” Brody Malone said. “I was stuck in bed for a long time. I couldn’t really get up and move around, which for me sucked, because I’m a busybody.” These weren’t just words. They were the raw truth from a champion grounded by a disaster. In March 2023, the gymnastics world collectively gasped as Brody Malone, one of America’s brightest stars, crashed to the mat during a World Cup event in Germany. What looked painful in the moment revealed itself as devastating under medical examination: a tibial plateau fracture (right knee), fully torn LCL, torn meniscus, partially torn PCL, and cartilage damage—a symphony of injuries that would have ended many careers. But…

For Malone, the former Stanford standout, this wasn’t just about physical recovery. It was a race against time. As he lay immobilized, the Paris Olympics, just 16 months away, seemed to drift further from reality with each passing day. Three surgeries followed. Countless hours of rehabilitation. The simple act of walking became a milestone to celebrate. While medical experts questioned his future, he quietly rebuilt himself, piece by agonizing piece.

And by June 2024, against all medical odds, he was back—he reclaimed his national title for the third time. The comeback story reached its zenith in Paris, when, alongside teammates Asher Hong, Paul Juda, Stephen Nedoroscik, and Frederick Richard, Malone helped accomplish what no American men’s gymnastics team had done since 2008—capture an Olympic medal. Well, now Malone might have found a new role!

WELL, Brody Malone might have traded his leotards for the mic at ESPN! The gymnastics star was spotted making his broadcasting debut with ESPN. A recent photo showed Malone standing alongside gymnastics legend and ESPN/SEC announcer Bart Conner at the Men’s Championships qualifier event.

In the picture, both of them were sporting the classic broadcaster look – nice navy blazers and headsets. Conner, the two-time Olympic gold medalist turned analyst and commentator, went casual with jeans, while Malone dressed it up a bit with khakis. ESPN reporter Lauren Sisler introduced the pair to viewers as they prepared to call the action. Malone didn’t keep this exciting new gig to himself either!

He proudly reposted ESPN reporter Lauren Sisler’s story that introduced the pair, making his broadcasting debut Instagram official! The championship qualifiers were busy, with Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Penn State advancing from the first session, while Michigan, Stanford, and Illinois moved on from the second. Not a bad event for Malone to cut his broadcasting teeth on!

Well, that was about his commentary stint, but when will the Paris bronze medalist compete next?

Brody Malone is planning to compete in the Elite season in 2025

Honestly, just when you thought Brody Malone might be slowing down after his incredible Olympic comeback, he drops this bombshell! The three-time U.S. National Champion revealed he’s not hanging up his grips anytime soon. Malone confirmed to Inside Gymnastics magazine in December that he’s planning to compete in the 2025 Elite season. “I’m not sure about LA yet. I’m just gonna take it one year at a time and see what happens,” the three-time U.S. Champ says.

Frankly, this is huge news for USA Gymnastics fans who’ve followed Malone’s journey from that devastating knee injury in 2023 to the team Olympic bronze in Paris.

Malone hasn’t exactly been taking it easy since the Olympics either. He wrapped up The Gold Over America Tour, which ran from September 16 to November 3, and has already attended the latest National Team Camp. Malone, who helped secure Team USA’s first men’s Olympic team medal in nearly two decades, seems determined to keep his momentum going. While he’s playing it cool about the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, gymnastics fans are undoubtedly thrilled to know they’ll see Malone competing again in 2025!