Xfinity US Championships was lit up by a flawless high bar dismount from Brody Malone. Marking a triumphant return to the gymnastics floor, Malone’s electrifying performance has created a buzz. After dominating the arena for two consecutive years, Malone’s journey took a dramatic turn in 2023 with a severe injury. With Malone not harboring greener pastures beyond conventional gymnastics, his teammate on the other hand has donned a new hat but that doesn’t impede Malone’s progress as he’s now received a compatriot.

After clinching a World Championships title, Malone had to go through three major surgeries in 2023. However, as it now appears, Malone was just counting the days to bounce back even stronger. Malone started weaving his comeback tale in February 2024 in the Winter Cup. But after the Xfinity U.S Gymnastics Championships, Malone’s performance announced the comeback with fierce conviction. Moreover, Malone alone is weaving his dream of Olympic glory. Behind this impressive resurgence lies the expertise and guidance of a familiar face in the gymnastics world.

Olympic veteran Samuel Mikulak leads Brody Malone’s journey to Olympic Glory as coach

A three-time Olympian and Malone’s teammate from the Tokyo Olympics, has transitioned from competitor to coach to guide Malone towards his dream. Samuel Mikulak with his wealth of experience and deep understanding of the sport is shaping Malone to achieve international glory. A recent X post has highlighted how Brody Malone’s new coach, Samuel Mikulak has influenced this remarkable recovery and performance. The post read, “3x Olympian @SamuelMikulak is on the road to the #ParisOlympics in a new role… as coach 🫡”. 

Signaling Brody Malone’s readiness for the Olympic stage, Malone performed remarkably at the 2024 Winter Cup. He competed on the pommel horse, rings, and parallel bars at the Winter Cup. In March 2023, Malone crashed on the mat while performing a high bar routine. He suffered from multiple ligament injuries and his right knee was fractured. However, fighting against the agony and setback, he scored an all-around total of 85.950. As his name shone brightly on the top of the scoreboard, the 24-year-old athlete roared to let the arena know of his true athletic capability. Behind this, a 31-year-old former American gymnastics champion’s heart was full of pride as he witnessed Malone’s gravity-defying win. 

Samuel Anthony Mikulak has been an eight-time NCAA champion representing the Michigan Wolverines. Mikulak has solidified his status as a dominant force in gymnastics with an extraordinary medal haul of 5 golds, 5 silvers, and 2 bronzes in the Pacific Rim Championships. And now, after retiring from the sport, he is back again to mentor young Malone towards Paris success.

Malone’s resilience and Mikulak’s mentorship propelled Paris Olympics dream to new heights

While Malone was all buckled up to step into the arena, Mikulak called Malone aside and tried to help him out with a few last-minute advice. However, Mikaluk later admitted that the pep talk wasn’t necessary, given the confidence and readiness of Malone. Mikaluk said, “It’s like, ‘Dude, everything you’ve done, you’ve just strengthened your strength so much more So you’re a better gymnast than you’ve ever been now, you just got trust and go let it rip’”

Struggling against his leg injury, Malone took time to bounce back. But it also allowed him to work on his upper body skills. Now Malone has overcome the fear and worries centering his leg’s condition and ability. Gearing up for the Paris Olympics, Brody Malone stated, “I hate to lose. I’m not going to come (here) just to participate. I want to win”. Paris will stand testament to Sam’s coaching skills. Will he do right by the role?