By Karen Braun
PARIS (Reuters) – After a devastating knee injury during gymnastic competition last year, Brody Malone’s quest for a second Games in Paris seemed all but lost.
But after three surgeries, the 24-year-old is now leading a youthful U.S. men’s squad hungry for its first Olympic team medal since 2008.
Malone told reporters after a training session on Wednesday that his knee feels “really good,” crediting friends, family and medical staff as well as a slow, day-by-day training approach for helping him return to form.
“My knee is pretty much as normal as it’s going to be,” Malone said, noting he was still limited in practice just a couple months ago.
Not only has Malone overcome the odds, but he has become an inspiration for his teammates, all first-time Olympians and the youngest U.S. men’s gymnastics team since 2012.
“He brings a lot of wisdom and a lot of different mindsets that kind of keep us grounded,” Asher Hong said of Malone. Teammate Paul Juda added that “he’s made of the right stuff, he leads us in a good way.”
While Simone Biles and the U.S. women command the world’s attention with their success, the U.S. men are seeking their first Olympic podium since taking team bronze in Beijing.
But they are in the mix in Paris after placing third at last year’s World Championships behind strong Japanese and Chinese teams, who are expected to shine at the 2024 Games.
Malone could contend for an all-around medal in Paris, having notched one of the highest totals in the world this year.
That relatively quick return to all-around competition may seem improbable after such extensive injury, but Malone’s teammates are not at all surprised.
“If there is a person to do it, it would be Brody Malone,” Hong said.
(Additional reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
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