These Michigan Olympians Accomplished Something Not Done In 16 Years

The Paris Olympics kicked off last Friday, and not even 4 days in Team USA has made a statement win in an event they have notoriously struggled in for nearly 16 years. But this victory wasn't just a big victory for the US, it was also a big deal because two of the team members have ties to Michigan.

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US Men's Gymnastics

While gymnasts like Simone Biles have been not only the face of US Gymnastics but have been trailblazers of the sport around the world, men's team gymnastics has been in a state of limbo since their last podium visit in 2008. 

Team members Asher Hong, Stephen Nedoroscik, Brody Malone, and University of Michigan alumni Paul Juda and Frederick Richard have written themselves into the history books, despite only one member having Olympic experience. That didn't stop them from making a statement victory by winning bronze in the men's team event.

Paul Juda

Paul Juda from Deerfield, Illinois was born in 2001 and was a student-athlete at the University of Michigan from 2020 to 2023. His UoM bio states he has competed in the floor exercise, pommel horse, and vault lineups while also competing on still rings, high bars, parallel bars, and in the all-around. View his routine here.

Fred Richard

Fred Richard from Stoughton, Massachusetts was born in 2004 and is a sophomore at the University of Michigan. He competes in all-around, the floor exercise, till rings, and high bar. View his routine here.

The Paris Olympics have only just begun and they're already making memories. You can view a list of athletes from Michigan participating below.