When we talk about about resilient people in gymnastics, Brody Malone hits the list for sure! Donning the extravagant title of Xfinity Championship for the third time this year, he has come a long way. His journey from setbacks to triumph has inspired many; especially his comeback after his debilitating leg injury.  Malone, the prestigious Nissen-Emery Award recipient, draws strength from his family’s legacy of toughness and determination.

“just suck it up” were the words of perseverance that kept Malone going while being raised by a single father. Losing his mother at the age of 12, Brody has embraced challenges with a steadfast resolve fueled by his father. And so he did! Being an embodiment of inspiration to not only his siblings but the entire world! Let us learn more about the family that the 24-year-old sensation was raised in!

Exploring the roots: all about Brody Malone’s parents

Brody Malone was born to John and Tracy Malone in Tennessee in 2000. Brody comes from a family that is deft in sports. His father, John Malone, participated in Rodeo at Georgia Southern University. He was also skilled in leather craftsmanship, creating detailed saddles, breast collars, and bridles. Tracy Malone was accomplished in hunter and jumper events and was the editor and owner of “The Roping Pen,” a monthly team roping publication.

When Brody was 3 years old, his parents enrolled him in gymnastics. Despite showing talent as a rodeo rider, a serious injury from a fall off a rodeo bull led his father to believe that gymnastics was a better fit for him. Unfortunately, Tracy passed away due to cancer in 2012, when Brody was just 12 years old.

Brody always kept a bandana attached to his bag, which his mother used to wear during her last days, and he even did so during his last Olympics. Since Tracy’s passing, Brody has become a role model for his younger brothers, Cooper and Tyler, and sister, Briley. He and his brother Cooper were competitive; Cooper now competes as part of the University of West Alabama rodeo team. In midst of all, one who Brody admires the most is his dad.

He always praises his father for keeping the family together and being their backbone during the difficult times. “My dad handled it really well,” Brody said. “Looking back, I can’t imagine having four kids, and having to raise them after his wife just passed away. I can’t imagine how hard that was for him. But he did a phenomenal job keeping us together as a family.”

After Tracy passed away, his father married Brody’s stepmother, Lynn Johnson. Unfortunately, in 2019, she passed away after a brain aneurysm. 

Tracy was Brody’s biggest supporter and cheerleader when it came to his gymnastics. “She was the one that saw the talent in him.” his father said. “And I can still hear her voice. She was always the loudest one cheering on her son,” he added. And keeping that spark alive, he kept charging only forward in life.

The gymnast star emerged stronger after his mother’s passing

Brody Malone rose in the world of gymnastics, finding strength during his mother Tracy’s final years. He maintained a demanding routine while supporting her through illness. Her passing was a turning point for him, and he found solace in gymnastics. Gymnastics and rodeo were the sports he excelled at during high school.

At Stanford, he earned 10 NCAA titles, including team, floor, high bar, all-around, and pommel horse. Named Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Gymnast of the Year from 2019 to 2022, Brody honors his mother through dedication and success. Fulfilling her wishes, he rose to national prominence, winning senior National AA titles in 2021 and 2022.

Despite a serious knee injury in Germany, multiple surgeries led to reclaiming the US all-around title in 2024. Now aiming for his second Olympic trials in Minnesota, Brody seeks a spot on the men’s gymnastics team, aiming to bring home gold for the first time since 1984. He was a top contender to qualify for the men’s gymnastics team, who are hoping to bring back gold in the sport for the first time since 1984.