The Paris Olympics men's gymnastics qualification rounds are done, and fans finally know who will be representing Team USA in the all-around and events finals at the Games. On a busy Saturday, the competition saw multiple surprises, with Frederick Richard and Paul Juda qualifying for the all-around finals, and Stephen Nedoroscik topping the chart for the pommel horse.
Going into the competition, the US men's team was placed in subdivision one in the qualifying rounds, alongside Germany, Britain, Canada, and a mixed group. Expected to lead the charge for the American men was repeat Olympian Brody Malone, who had put up absolutely stunning performances at the US Championships and US Olympic Trials.
However, in a twist that no one expected at the Paris Olympics, it was Michigan teammates Fredrick Richard and Paul Juda who shone the brightest in the qualification rounds, sealing their spots in the individual finals.
Meanwhile, in the individual apparatus finals, 2021 pommel horse world champion Stephen Nedoroscik tied for first alongside Ireland's Rhys McClenaghan, proving exactly why it's his speciality. After his performance in this early round, the American has established himself as a strong contender for gold.
Team USA gymnasts failed to qualify in the individual finals of floor exercise, vault, parallel bars, still rings, or the horizontal bar. For a while it looked like Asher Hong might make the finals of the still rings and vault, but the American narrowly missed out.
Paris Olympics Men's Gymnastics: USA qualifies for team finals
Meanwhile, in addition to Fredrick Richard and Paul Juda qualifying in the all-around finals, Stephen Nedoroscik qualified for the individual event final on pommel horse, American gymnasts also managed to qualify for the team finals at the Paris Olympics.
Their collective score of 253.229 placed them fifth in the team standings, ensuring a seat for them in the finals.
China are leading the way in the standings with their score of 263.028. Taking second and third in the qualification were Japan and Great Britain, who posted scores of 260.594 and 256.561 respectively. Coming in at fourth were Ukraine with their score of 252.893.
After the qualification action, USA’s men's gymnasts now have a day of rest before they’re back in action at the Paris Olympics on July 29th for their team finals. Post that, Fredrick Richard and Paul Juda will get down to business in the men's all-around final on July 31, while Stephen Nedoroscik will compete in the pommel horse final on August 3.