Team USA’s gymnastics star Brody Malone was part of the team that broke America’s 16-year medal drought in Paris. You would’ve been hard-pressed to tell the gymnast suffered a near career-ending injury just a year ago. Malone looked strong inside Bercy Arena. Yet, Malone once again recalled the ordeal ahead of experiencing something new.

After finding success at Paris 2024, Malone is gearing up for the Gold Over America Tour. The Olympian will join the likes of Simone Biles to dazzle fans fan in a gymnastics-themed show unlike any other. However, he’s most excited about not getting into a grueling training routine as the show is not a competition. Yet even while discussing the tour, Malone couldn’t help but recall his 2023 ordeal.

“This is probably going to be the first time that I’ve had actual downtime from gymnastics in almost my whole career. I mean besides when I was injured, I guess I had a big chunk of downtime…” laughed Brody Malone, remembering the incident during an Inside Gymnastics interview. While the two-time Olympian may laugh about it now, things looked bleak last year.

In March 2023, Malone’s hands slipped while dismounting during his horizontal bar routine at the DTB Cup in Germany. Something that also happened in Paris. However, in an attempt to salvage the routine, the Pan-Am Games champion made a grave error. The rough landing wreaked havoc on his lower right leg and knee joint, leaving the 24-year-old immobilized for months.

Doctors diagnosed the Olympian with a torn meniscus, tibial plateau fracture, partially torn PCL, and a fully torn LCL. It took surgeons three different procedures to reconstruct his leg, leading to weeks of bed rest, and months away from gymnastics. However, even the devastating injury didn’t stop Malone from earning an Olympic medal. Now he aims only to impress the fans who supported him through thick and thin.

Brody Malone hopes to put on a show for the fans

The first Gold Over America tour didn’t include the men of Team USA Gymnastics. However, the upcoming second edition will change that. “I think this is going to be an amazing opportunity for us to showcase what we can do in front of a crowd.” said the former horizontal bar world champion. He’s also looking to enjoy performing on a stage where championship medals aren’t at stake.

“It’s going to be more fun, like high energy,” said Brody Malone, echoing Simone Biles’ words. “It’s kind of a celebration, Party in the USA. Very high-energy performance.” the seven-time Olympic gold medalist told KHOU 11. She also expressed similar excitement to treat the fans with a special showcase of skills and storytelling through gymnastics.

The 2024 Gold Over America Tour promises to be even grander than its first edition. While a handful of Paris 2024 stars including Sunisa Lee and Stephen Nedoroscik won’t be there, the 32-city tour kicking off in Frontwave Arena on September 17 promises may surprise. Brody Malone hopes the tour will give him the time to unwind and put the memory of that injury behind him for good.