“I just wish that I was half of the man that you are.” Not exactly the kind of line you expect to hear echoing through the arena during the NCAA Men’s Gymnastics Championships, right? But tonight in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that’s exactly what happened—and the reason why might just take your breath away.

April 19 will be a night forever etched in the hearts of Michigan gymnastics fans. And no one lived a more unforgettable chapter than 23-year-old Paul Juda. Competing in the NCAA finals in front of a home crowd, Juda delivered the performance of a lifetime. He won the NCAA individual title on the parallel bars, finished runner-up in the all-around behind Frederick Richard, and—perhaps most meaningfully—secured his first and only national team championship. 

But the biggest moment didn’t come on the mat. It came moments after the final scores were announced, when Juda stood center stage, microphone in hand, and turned to the love of his life—fellow Michigan gymnast Reyna Guggino.

In front of a packed Crisler Center, with teammates and fans still roaring from victory, Paul Juda dropped to one knee and asked Reyna to spend forever with him. His voice trembled as he told her, “I just wish that I was half of the man that you are.” A moment of raw emotion, vulnerability, and love—one that transcended medals and titles. Well, with tears in her eyes, Reyna said yes. And just like that, Paul Juda’s final night in college gymnastics became a fairy tale—equal parts gold, grit, and heart. However, this wasn’t the first time Reyna Guggino made an entry when Juda earned big. 

Last year, Paul Juda stood on one of the world’s grandest stages—the 2024 Paris Olympics—and helped Team USA secure a historic bronze medal in men’s gymnastics, the country’s first Olympic team medal in 16 years. It was a night of triumph for American gymnastics. But even in the glow of Olympic glory, Juda’s thoughts drifted to someone even more precious than the medal around his neck.

“To have that kind of love, to have that kind of support, and to have that kind of person next to you that also understands the ins and outs of gymnastics—it’s a dream come true,” Juda told PEOPLE, speaking about Reyna Guggino, his longtime partner and fellow Michigan gymnast. “Every night’s great, every hard day is easy with her. And when I come home, I’ve got nothing but a best friend. She’s the love of my life.” So, from Olympic podiums to college arenas, Juda’s heart has always had room for both gold and gratitude. And on the night he said goodbye to his collegiate career—with a national team title, a parallel bars crown, and a heartfelt proposal—his journey came full circle. But before we close this chapter, it’s only right to revisit the legacy Juda leaves behind in maize and blue

The Michigan gymnastics pro leaves his mark on the gymnastics floor 

Paul Juda’s gymnastics story didn’t just unfold—it exploded onto the national stage in 2022, when he claimed the NCAA All-Around Champion title. It was a breakout moment that made everyone in collegiate gymnastics stand up and take notice. That same year, he was named a Nissen-Emery Award Finalist, the sport’s most prestigious honor—often dubbed the “Heisman of men’s gymnastics.” It was recognition not just of his elite performance, but of his character, leadership, and the respect he earned from peers and coaches alike.

While his trophy cabinet steadily filled, Juda never stopped chasing greatness. He racked up multiple Big Ten titles, asserting dominance across events like the all-around, floor, and parallel bars. Whether it was a high-stakes championship meet or a routine dual, Juda competed with the same fire, the same joy, and the same heart. However, by 2024, he had already earned the distinction of being a three-time NCAA All-American, a testament to his consistency and excellence on the mat. But Juda didn’t stop there.

On the final night of his collegiate career—Saturday, April 19, 2025—he gave the Crisler Center one last performance to remember. He led Michigan to the NCAA Team Championship, won the individual title on parallel bars, and took silver in the all-around. It was the kind of grand finale you’d expect in a Hollywood script—but this was real life. Now, with medals in his trophy case and Reyna’s ring on her finger, Paul Juda’s legacy goes far beyond stats and scores. He was more than a gymnast. He was a force of passion and purpose. A leader. Obviously, a teammate, a dreamer. And a man who gave everything to his sport—and somehow still had even more to give to those around him.