KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — It takes a lot to be a male gymnast. Trainers said that just starting out, athletes need endurance and grit. That doesn't even include the years of training spent refining techniques and honing skills.
"Gymnastics is unique, especially male gymnastics," said Matt Henry, the head coach and owner of GymTek in Knoxville. "You're gonna teach your kids dedication, commitment, a pursuit of excellence."
He said for 16 years, the sport in the U.S. was in a "medal drought" — unable to bring home medals from Olympic competitions. However, the Summer Games are different this year. Team USA earned a bronze medal for male gymnastics.
"Men's gymnastics, in my opinion, should get the recognition it deserves," he said. "We get popular every four years. It tends to be that way."
Brody Malone helped lead Team USA to the medal, rallying after he was knocked down in Sunday's qualifying round. By bringing back a bronze medal, Henry said the team is bringing home hope for male gymnasts across the country.
"They actually sparked something that will be monumental in the future," he said. "I'm hoping that it inspires a generation that wants to do what they do because it's freaking cool. It's just amazing."
Malone is from Johnson City and traveled to Paris to compete in the Summer Games. Henry said he watched Malone become the Olympic athlete he is today.
"I watched Brody grow up from the time he was a young compulsory gymnast," said Malone.
He said he is now helping a group of men train in the hopes of competing in the 2028 Olympics.