“My goal stands that same, which is to compete against the highest-level guys across the world and get to that level myself. And I knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.” – Yul Moldauer had his sights set on Paris. The only hurdle in his way was the U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Trials. He stepped into the electrifying atmosphere at the Target Center on day 1, and ended the day finding himself 6th on the leaderboard with a total of 83.700. 

Unfortunately for the Olympian, he missed the chance of continuing that dream by ending day 3 with 97.800. He had to say au revoir to Paris, and announced this by thanking his fans for cheering him on from the stands on Twitter. Fans rallied behind him to show more support and are hoping to see him in the running for LA2028.

Yul Moldauer misses out on Paris 2024 by a whisker

The 2024 Winter Cup all-around champion showcased an exciting display of his skills on both days at the target center. But despite it all, it wasn’t enough. Unfortunately for Moldauer, he will be walking out of the trials without a ticket to Paris. He tweeted a heartfelt note for his fans, “I love you all for the support! ❤️ Trials was an amazing to be at! A filled arena and that’s all a gymnast could ask for!” His fans vivaciously roared from the elite gymnast all throughout the action-packed events.

Moldauer walked onto the mat and started day 1 by dominating on the parallel bars, securing a whopping 15.150. Comfortably seated in the second position, he then moved on to vault. Enthralling everyone in the stands, his performance got him an impressive 14.500. But he could only muster up a 14.200 on the floor which pushed him to the fifth position. Determined to move past this hurdle, he took on the pommel horse with vigor. However, with just 13.100, things weren’t looking too promising. He scored his lowest on the high bar, a 12.900, leaving him with a total of 83.700 on the table.

Refusing to let this deter him, he was back on Day 3 with renewed determination. He started strong on parallel bars, despite a few minor inconveniences, his strong dismount secured him a 14.100. He then moved on to high bars, his stellar performances resulted in him scoring 13.000. With a fluid floor exercise, Mondauer scored an impressive 13.700 resulting in a loud roar from the stands. His lowest score of the day came from the pommel horse. Albeit smooth, his dismount resulted in a poor landing which secured him a 12.900.

He then made his way to the rings and redeemed himself with a 13.800. Moldauer pulled himself together by scoring a 14.100 on vault. Finally, he pulled off an impressive triple twisting double on high bar, but ended up with just 13.000 due to a few missteps. His final score by day 3 came up to 97.800. By the end of all the rotations, Yul had moved down to the 9th spot with 165.300 at the end of both days.

Fans react to the Olympian’s heartbreaking farewell

Target Center made the perfect backdrop for the electrifying setting of the U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Trials. The cheers were almost defeaning every time Yul Moldauer stepped onto the mat. Fans rushed over to his post to share the outpouring love. One fan expressed, “Gutted for you and so many others, but it was incredible to see a full arena. Here’s to many more of those in the future!” Many were looking forward to watching the Olympian put his best foot forward in the French Capital.

Another fan reassured Moldauer, “You did that. That’s your legacy” The elite gymnast has always wanted to inspire others to follow their dreams, and he set the brightest example at the trials. A fan reiterated, “It was an honor to watch you this weekend, and all the last years.” Regardless of what the results say, Moldauer proved why he is one of the best in the sport, and many seem to agree!

One fan hoped, “It was an unfortunate end but the fight was amazing. The energy you bring to the sport makes gymnastics as a whole a better place. Hope 2028 has a different outcome. Let’s go team usa” Paris might not have been on his plate, but several are already excited about seeing him back for the next summer games. Another fan agreed, “So excited to see you stick around until 2028!! The whole community has ur back 🫶🏼🫶🏼” Watching their favorite perform on his home turf is something many want to experience.

Yul Moldauer’s valiant efforts at the Target center didn’t go unnoticed. After a fitting ending to the thrilling ending, many are excited to see where the Olympian’s journey takes him next. Even if he didn’t qualify for the Paris Games, fans might see him sooner as he continues to enthrall them with his impressive routines. Which performance by Yul Moldauer catch your eye during the U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Trials? Let us know in the comments!