CGA Olympics Recap
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games have been over for nearly two weeks, which has given some time to reflect on the incredible accomplishments of the current and former NCAA male gymnasts who represented their countries on the highest stage of our sport. This group of athletes was outstanding in Paris and shined a light on how important NCAA competition is in raising the bar of competition at the pinnacle of sport, the Olympic Games.
Below is a list of highlights from NCAA gymnasts who competed in the games
Team USA – a team comprised entirely of current and former NCAA gymnasts excelled in the moment it mattered most and won the Bronze medal. Team members include, Brody Malone (Stanford), Asher Hong (Stanford), Frederick Richard (Michigan), Paul Juda (Michigan), and Stephen Nedoroscik (Penn State).
Stephen Nedoroscik – won two Bronze medals, one as a member of team USA and the other on pommel horse where he defeated two time, defending Olympic pommel horse champion, Max Whitlock to earn a spot on the podium.
Sam Zakutney (Penn State) – Competed for team Canada and helped the Canadian team make history by qualifying for the team final for the first time. He also placed 29th in the all-around qualifying competition and 15th on high bar.
Paul Juda and Frederick Richard – Michigan teammates Placed 14th and 15th in the All-Around competition.
Emre Dodanli (Oklahoma) – Competed for Turkyie placing 31st all-around and 19th on high bar.
Kevin Penev (Michigan) – represented Bulgaria finishing 42nd overall and 12th on floor.
Lais Najjar (Michigan) – Made history as the first gymnast to compete for Syria at the Olympics.
This is one of the most successful Olympic games that NCAA gymnasts have ever had, and it comes just in time as LA 2028 is right around the corner. Thanks to the success of these 9 gymnasts from four different NCAA programs this sport has been thrust onto the national scene. No doubt, this is an exciting time to be a fan of NCAA men’s gymnastics.