Brody Malone falls short at Paris Olympics

PARIS: The United States (US) athlete Brody Malone hopes for an all-around medal at the Paris Olympics were dashed after a difficult qualifying round on Saturday.

The US gymnast entered the competition as a strong contender. However, he faltered on key events including the high bar, failing to advance to the finals. Malone’s errors eliminated his chance for an individual podium finish.

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Brody Malone was a national favourite, hailing from a small town in the state of Georgia. The gymnast faced a major setback in March 2023. At the DTB Cup in Germany, he suffered a tibial plateau fracture in his right knee, along with a torn LCL, meniscus, and PCL, plus cartilage damage.

The severe injuries required multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. Malone had to relearn how to walk and regain his strength.

Despite these challenges, Brody Malone made a remarkable comeback. He won the US Championships in June 2024 and secured a spot on the Olympic team. However, his performance in Paris fell short of expectations.

He fell once on the pommel horse and twice on the high bar. These mistakes impacted his score significantly. He finished behind teammates Frederick Richard and Paul Juda, who advanced to the all-around finals.

The US team aimed to build on their bronze medal from the 2023 world championships. Malone’s errors contributed to the team’s fifth-place finish in their subdivision.

Even though Malone did not achieve his individual goals, the US gymnasts still have a chance to compete in Monday’s team final.