The US men’s artistic gymnastics team made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Ending a prolonged medal draught, the American team consisting of Paul Juda, Brody Malone, Stephen Nedoroscik, Fred Richards, and Asher Hong bagged gold after dishing impressive performances in the final. However, the men couldn’t replicate the overall success of their female colleagues in the City of Love, and Stanford student Malone was a major dud. But there might have been a few contributing factors.

Just a year before the big rumble at the French capital, Malone suffered a catastrophic injury to his knees, which many argue could have ended his career altogether. However, battling months of rehab and recovery, Malone came back strongly to win his third AA US National title in June. Naturally, expectations of seeing him achieve similar triumphs in Paris were high, but the 24-year-old fell short considerably. But one of his former teammates believes it wasn’t entirely Malone’s fault.

A blow to the bowels of Brody Malone, literally

Four-time NCAA gold medalist and former Cardinals gymnast Ian Gunther recently gave an interview to Sam Oldham, where the former talked about how he tried his best to stay out of the way of the Team USA athletes to ensure he didn’t cause any trouble. In the YouTube upload from September 8, Gunther also hinted at what might have impacted Malone’s performance so much in Bercy Arena. By now, it’s common knowledge that the Olympic Village didn’t meet the expectations of many athletes who came to Paris, and the Stanford alum thinks it was something of the same nature that restricted Malone from giving his best.

“I didn’t want to mess with Brody or like I’m sure he already had enough on his plate to deal with,” Gunther can be heard saying, and fans would be flummoxed to learn that he meant it quite literally. “I thought he just wasn’t feeling well. It was cuz I heard there’s a case of people eating like undercooked chicken and a lot of the team and coaches in one of the hotels like got sick,” claimed the 25-year-old to stun gymnastics fans all over the country.

At the 33rd Games, Malone lost his footing thrice – twice on the horizontal bar, his best event, and once on the pommel horse. With that, his AA dream ended in Paris. But Brody didn’t let the setback hold him back from joining hands with his national teammates to bring the USA a bronze in men’s gymnastics after 16 long years. But despite his Olympic fumble, it looks like Malone isn’t one to brood over the same.

The path to redemption laid before Malone’s eyes

The gymnast hailing from Georgia has been spotted spending quality time with fiance Serena Ortiz surfing through the waters of Lake Allatoona since the Olympics concluded last month. With an exciting series of events lined up, fans have watched with admiration how Malone glided over the waves with ease, putting his gymnastics flexibilities to good use. There too, he showcased how he’s a tough nut to crack. Being an amateur in surfing, Malone took a nasty fall and posted bloody pictures of himself on social media. But his indomitable spirits triumphed and he was soon back on the surfing board for more action. Considering how his post-Olympic calendar looks, fans are also jubilant to see Malone isn’t sulking in the shadow and is instead brimming with enthusiasm.

After three long years, the Gold Over America Tour (G. O. A. T.) is set to return on September 16 at the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside. The tournament will promote gymnastics and encourage young stars of the sport to pursue a career in the same. Enigmatic stars like Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Fred Richard, and others will be joining hands to bring more exposure to gymnastics. It will also be a Stanford reunion with both Gunther and Malone on the roster. Excited? So are we!