‘This is the best experience of my life’: US gymnasts react to strong start

PARIS (NEXSTAR) — Great Britain took an early lead in the men’s gymnastics qualifying events, but the United States was just behind them in the first of three subdivisions on Saturday.

The Americans, who finished third ahead of Great Britain at the 2023 World Championships, finished second after problems with the horizontal bar and pommel horse.

“I think it’s a great start. The job is done,” American Frederick Richard told Nexstar’s Jala Washington after the event.

The US arrived in Paris feeling like they had a real shot at a medal in the team competition for the first time since taking bronze in Beijing 16 years ago.

There is work to be done after the British put on a largely faultless clinic in six rotations. Jake Jarman (84.897) and Joe Fraser (84.666) took the highest all-around scores and six-time Olympic medallist Max Whitlock shocked the 31-year-old with an electric vault routine – his signature event – that seemed to have relieved him.

Whitlock, with his 15.166, only ran less than the American Stephen Nedoroscik, a specialist who probably earned a place in the final with his 15.200 meters and gave his teammates an early boost.

It didn’t last long. Brody Malone, who had returned from a horrific leg injury to win his third U.S. championship in June, fell twice on the high bar and once on the pommel horse, ending his chances of returning to the all-around final.

Instead, Frederick Richard and Paul Juda will represent the Americans. While Richard — who won bronze in the all-around at the 2023 world championships — expected to advance, Judah’s performance comes as a bit of a surprise.

The 23-year-old — who burst into tears shamelessly after being named to the five-man Olympic team — threw his arms in the air after his floor exercise dismount. His all-around total of 82.865 was fourth among early qualifiers, behind only Richard (83.498), Jarman and Fraser.

“I am elated. This is the best experience of my life,” an excited Judah told Washington.

Qualifying continues later on Saturday, with old rivals and gold medal favorites Japan and China competing in the second of three subdivisions. The top eight team finishers advance to the team finals on Monday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report