“Tearful” Brody Malone Thanks Dad as He Clinches Second Olympic Berth, Just a Year After Learning to Walk Again: “My Dad is My Rock”

Brody Malone’s dream came true, and it was visible in his eyes after securing a spot in the Paris Olympics. Tears fell from his eyes as if he couldn’t believe it. He returned to his better form after 18 months from an injury that nearly ended his career. In an interview after the trials, he expressed his heart and said, “I had only one goal, and it was to hit all my routines. I’m happy to do that and more for Team USA!”

Joining him on the Olympic team are Fred Richard, Asher Hong, Paul Juda, and Stephen Nedoroscik, with Shane Wiskus and Khoi Young serving as alternates for the 2024 Games. However, Brody secured the second position, while Fred Richard, aged 20, clinched the first place on the trials’ final day on 29th June. Richard achieved a two-day total of 170.500, narrowly surpassing three-time national champion Brody Malone.

Malone, a 2020 Tokyo Olympian whose career was nearly derailed by a devastating right knee injury in March 2023, finished just behind Richard with a score of 170.300. At 24 years old, Malone is the oldest member of an American team that has made strides in recent years. After the games the interviewer asked, “Talking about gymnastics in the Olympics, what’s your perspective on your journey?“

Malone replied with heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing, “I just have to say, I want to thank everyone who has helped me reach this point. All the medical staff deserve a big shout-out, especially Steve, my trainer, who works with me for hours each day. He’s phenomenal, and I’m so grateful to have him guiding me through this journey. Training with my teammates has been incredible; I’m just so grateful for everything they’ve done to support me.”

Reflecting on his father’s pivotal role, Malone added, “My dad is my rock and my go-to for anything. I can rely on him anytime. He’s been my role model and example of how to live, especially through the challenges. I’m super grateful for him and love him dearly, no matter where he is.”It’s worth noting, during the DTB Cup in Germany in March of last year. His high bar dismount went awry, resulting in a severe knee injury that included a torn meniscus, tibial plateau fracture, partially torn posterior cruciate ligament, and fully torn lateral collateral ligament.

This led to multiple surgeries, extensive bed rest, and a challenging recovery period where he relied on crutches and struggled to regain mobility. Despite these setbacks, Malone never wavered. And this all was possible because of his single father, who played a central role in shaping his life and career.

Rising from adversity to Olympics-Brody Malone

Brody Malone was born into a sports-loving family in Tennessee in 2000. His father, John Malone, excelled in rodeo at Georgia Southern University, while his mother, Tracy Malone, was accomplished in hunter and jumper events. Brody was introduced to gymnastics at the age of 3 when his mom Tracy saw his talent. Tragically, Tracy passed away from cancer in 2012 when Brody was just 12 years old

Despite the loss, Brody carries his mother’s memory with him wherever he goes—through a bandana she wore during her final days, which he still keeps close, even at the Olympics. His admiration for his father, who became the family’s anchor after Tracy’s death, runs deep. “My dad handled it really well,” Brody acknowledged. “Raising us four kids after losing his wife—it couldn’t have been easy. But he did an amazing job keeping our family strong.”

After Tracy’s death, John remarried Lynn Johnson, who also supported Brody until her passing from a brain aneurysm in 2019. Despite these challenges, Brody’s family support continues to drive him forward, shaping his journey in sports and life, including his path to his second Olympics.