“Wouldn’t Be Here Without Them”: Brody Malone Pays Homage to NCAA Gymnastics for Playing a Crucial Role in Punching Paris Olympics Ticket

The 2024 US Olympic Gymnastics trials were a true comeback for the nation’s best, especially the Tokyo Olympians. Stars like Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey all showcased their incredible talents on the final night, clinching their tickets to the Paris Olympics.

On the men’s side, Brody Malone defied expectations despite injuries, securing his spot for his second Olympic Games. As a Stanford University product and a ten-time NCAA National Champion, his alma mater has played a massive role in his journey, and he has given them due credit.

In a post on X by the NCAA, Brody Malone sat down to discuss a memorable NCAA gymnastics championship with the Stanford University gymnastics team in the NCAA’s “#OlympiansMadeHere” segment. Amid proudly sharing his celebratory win, a heartfelt moment came when he said, “I owe everything to my coaches and teammates at Stanford. I mean I wouldn’t be here today without them.”

He emphasized that the process of collegiate gymnastics, which is all about teamwork, prepared him for being a part of a team, and that has been instrumental in his journey with Team USA. The 2022 World Champion Brody Malone shared, “Going through NCAA gymnastics was a process that taught me how to compete well and how to compete for a team, not just for myself. And that translates perfectly into competing for Team USA.” As we reflect on his words, let us see how the Stanford Cardinals have made Olympic history through the years.

Gymnastics star Brody Malone is part of the historic legacy of Stanford University

The University of Stanford has a rich history of Olympic success, racking up an impressive total of 296 medals from the 1912 Stockholm Olympics to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. With names like Jenny Thompson, Katie Ledecky, John Hencken, and others, the Stanford Cardinals have produced at least one medalist in every Olympic Games since 1912. Among these, Jenny Thompson stands out with 12 medals, while Katie Ledecky follows closely with 9. Other notable contributors include John Hencken with 6 medals and Janet Evans, Simone Manuel, and Pablo Morales each with 5 medals.

Sanford’s success spans various sports, from swimming to volleyball and water polo. The university’s dominance is highlighted by record-breaking performances, such as Katie Ledecky’s five-medal haul in the 2016 Olympics and Stanford’s leading 26-medal tally at the 2020 Tokyo Games: 10 golds, 7 silvers, and 9 bronzes. Fast-forward to the 2016 Rio Olympics, where they scored 27 medals, with Katie Ledecky racking up 5, and Maya DiRado and Simone Manuel notching 4 each.

London 2012 saw them win 17 medals; the Beijing Olympics in 2008, 25; and the list goes on, showing Stanford’s Olympic legacy going strong. Now, names like gymnastics veteran Brody Malone and Katie Ledecky are gearing up for the Paris Games, keeping that legacy alive and kicking. Reflecting on this legacy, what are your thoughts on Brody Malone’s words about collegiate sports paving the way and creating Olympians? Share in the comments below!