Frederick Richard, Brody Malone, Paul Juda, Asher Hong and Stephen Nedoroscik etched their names in U.S. gymnastics history books Monday.
The U.S. men won their first Olympic team medal in gymnastics since 2008, earning a bronze. They edged out Great Britain for the third podium spot, while Japan and China won the gold and silver medals, respectively.
The U.S. team’s celebrations rivaled the rowdiest of college gymnastics meets, with the athletes cheering one another on through every twist and flip.
When they earned the bronze, many on the team broke down in tears. While the American women are accustomed to podium finishes, it is only the third team medal in the last 20 years for the U.S. men.
The bronze was in their grasp after a consummate performance in the first five rotations, but they first had to get through the pommel horse, which is never an easy task. It is comparable to the balance beam on the women’s side, which can vanquish even the best in the world.
Nedoroscik made the Olympic team based solely on the strength of his routine on the event. He faced an agonizing 2½-hour wait on the sidelines during the final, going up last for the U.S. in the final rotation. His effort clinched the bronze medal.
The U.S. built early momentum with stellar rotations on still rings and vault, making significant improvements to its scores from the qualifying round, in which it finished fifth.
“I was completely blacked out while I was running down the runway,” Juda said of his flawless vault. “I hit the table, and I just said, ‘All right, just hold it, just don’t fall. Just please don’t fall.’
“Next thing I know, the ground’s at my feet, and I stuck it at the Olympic Games,” he said.
After two of the six events, the U.S. occupied the top spot on the leaderboard.
Chants of “USA” erupted in Paris’ Bercy Arena after Hong became the third American to sail through parallel bars. He earned a 14.400, putting the U.S. in second as it headed to high bar.
Richard was a star throughout the final. He performed a monstrously difficult routine on high bar, sticking his dismount and posting a score that would have won a silver medal at last year’s world championships.
“I knew I had the whole U.S. behind me,” Richard said. “I knew I had these five guys cheering me on, and I knew I wanted to do the best routine possible for them. When you feel that deep in your heart, it happens, and you stick that landing.”
As the U.S. anchor on floor, Richard delivered a clutch routine to wrap up the penultimate rotation. One of his skills on floor stems from breakdancing, a sport that is making its Olympic debut in Paris.
He will compete alongside Juda in the all-around final Wednesday. Nedoroscik is eyeing gold in the pommel horse final, which is set for Saturday.
“We’re out here representing the best country in the world,” said Malone, the U.S. national all-around champion. “It’s just an incredible feeling any time you get to wear USA on your chest, but especially at the Olympic Games.”
