Brody Malone has somewhat managed to escape the matrix in the last one year. Back in July 2023, Malone was learning how to walk once again. Cut to July 2024, he will be happily representing Team USA in the Paris Olympics and the adage-“behind every successful man, there is a woman”, rings true here! Well, the former Stanford gymnast will surely like to forget the harrowing days of March 2023. Competing in the DTP Pokal Team Challenge in Germany, Malone looked quite comfortable performing the high bar, but luck wasn’t by his side. 

However, the moment he attempted to dismount, tragedy hit. Brody Malone came crashing down, resulting in a tibial plateau fracture in the right knee. He also suffered several other injuries that included a partially torn PCL, a torn meniscus and LCL, and some damaged cartilage. Having had to undergo three surgeries, his career seems to have brutally shut the door on his face. With almost all hopes lost, it was Serena Ortiz’s love for Malone that made the miracle happen. Lady luck comes in clutch for Malone. Here’s how.

Brody Malone has iron-clad support rallying behind him in solidarity

Brody Malone, just like anyone else, was crestfallen. While Malone had no idea how long he would be in bed rest, the time was coming near for the Paris Olympics. Malone lost all hope and began to doubt everything he has done to this day. Meanwhile, unable to function on his own, Serena Ortiz and his father took turns to look after the 3x US National champion. Reflecting on his experience, Malone pointed out that his injury brought him much closer to Ortiz than ever before. Happy accident? Serendipity much? We’d be inclined to think so.

The US gymnast detailed how Ortiz took care of every single detail and helped him in his recovery process. In an exclusive interview with The Knot, Malone explained, “By having her there, literally waiting on me hand and foot, I could see the love in her heart, and it just made me realize how special of a person she was. We grew so close and had some amazing conversations, because I couldn’t do anything else. It was time very well spent with each other.” Soon, Ortiz’s love and care for her partner bore rich fruits. 

Showing signs of recovery, recuperation and speedy convalescence, Brody Malone was back in the gym by the fall of 2023! He went up on the high bar with his knee heavily braced. Instead of landing on his feet, Malone initially landed on his back to protect his knee from the impact. As the months went by in a jiffy, it was time for Brody Malone to face the toughest test. He was slated to compete in the US Championships. 

Brody Malone’s route to Paris has success written all over it

When Brody Malone was given a timeline of June 2024 to compete at the Olympic trials, no one thought it was possible. Reputed publishing houses like the Associated Press termed the scenario as ‘an ambitious feat given the severity of his injury’. But everyone was in for a shock. Competing in all 12 routines, Malone scored 14.000 in 11 of them. He finished the US Championship with a score of 172.300 to win the gold medal. 

Next up, it was the venerated Olympic trials. And boy, did Brody Malone do well! Putting up a remarkable show, Malone amassed 170.300 points to finish second behind Frederick Richards to seal the Paris deal. Relishing his moment of magic, Malone said, “With everything I’ve gone through, to be able to come back, make a comeback like I have, and be competitive enough to be on the top again, it feels amazing.” Now, with his comeback nearly complete, Brody Malone would like to complete his story full circle with an Olympic medal. And in case if he ever needs a hand to give him that little impetus, Serena Ortiz will be right by his side, like the able compatriot she has been for him always.