’You Can Have a Normal Life’’: Adopted Himself Yul Moldauer Sends a Heartwarming Message to Asian Americans

The US men gymnasts had proven themselves capable enough by ending the medal drought at the 2023 World Gymnastics Championships. One of the notable among them, Yul Moldauer, had contributed scores in parallel bars, pommel horse, and rings to anchor his team to a bronze finish. Speaking beyond his mat prowess, what really sets Moldauer apart is the real question.

While several questions may be brewing, EssentiallySports welcomed Yul Moldauer to have a glimpse of his legendary life. To provide his fandom with an immersive interview experience, ES host Kenny Ducey had several queries lined up. Among those intrigues, the topic of Asian Americans making successful strides in the athletic realm stood out. Since the 2017 US National all-around champion is an Asian American, he gave a perfect answer to the question.

Yul Moldauer issued a heartwarming note for his Asian-American clan

In the EssentiallySports Exclusive Fancast, when Kenny Ducey asked, “Do you take pride also in being an Asian American athlete? There are more and more Asian American athletes that are having success in America. Do you take pride in that?” To clear the air around how he wants to perceive things further in life, the 27-year-old didn’t shy away from speaking his heart. He had said, “Oh, I take huge pride in being an Asian athlete. I want to inspire not just Asians but every little kid to do gymnastics. But also being adopted as well too…I’m so grateful for the family… You can have a normal life no matter what you look like, what you believe in”. 

Interestingly, on the closing note, he conceded, “If you want to come to America and accomplish your dreams you can do it.” He further added, “If you have one hater, you’ve made it.” 

Born in South Korea, Moldauer was later adopted by Orsa and Peter Moldauer, and was raised by his parents in Colorado. Moldauer grew up at a ranch near Fort Collins, where he got acquainted with gymnastics for the first time.

Living his dream as a South Korean adoptee

Growing up in Colorado, when mother Orsa watched him play after school, she used to think, “His legs were completely straight and still. It was like he was floating across.”

READ MORE: Yul Moldauer’s Journey From Farm Boy to American Olympian Explored

Since he started talking late, he was always a cranky child. While others complained him to his parents, the Moldauer duo never felt any shame. They rather focussed on letting him practice at the gym close to their newly bought house in Wheat Ridge.

The 7x NCAA individual champion had said later in life, “I always told myself, no matter where I came from, what I look like or what my past is, if I make it a goal to work hard, it’s not going to be easy”. And “It’ll be crazy at times, but if I really want it that bad, I can accomplish anything” had always helped him dream big.

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