PARIS (KXAN) — After bringing home the bronze medal, U.S. Men’s Gymnastics team members Frederick Richard and Paul Juda reflected on the moment.
The 2024 medal was the first for the team in 16 years, last winning a bronze medal during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
“I think it all came down to peaking at the right time,” Juda said. “Our training was good … We all put it together on the actual day that it mattered. You know, who cares if you did it a week before? That doesn't matter. But we did it on the day of competition--and at the end of the day, I think it was the trust in our brotherhood.”
Richard added this win was just the beginning and there would be more in store when the Olympics came to the U.S.
“I mean, 2028 being in LA in the U.S.—we want to really do something big for the sport,” Richard said. “So, it's giving everything until then.”
Juda recalled the moment he was reunited with his family after the win.
“These are the people that birthed you, literally, and helped shape who you are—and to be able to put the medal around my dad's neck just felt awesome,” Juda said. “They made the biggest sacrifice of their lives to come here to America from Poland, and they keep telling me that they're the ones living the American dream.”
Richard added, “My parents have had to put up with me for a long time of flipping all over the place … They've been here through the whole journey. They've seen the struggles. They've put in the work just as much as me, and the medal is for all of us.”
