The NCAA college athletics system in the U.S. continues to be a significant pathway for American gymnasts transitioning from junior to senior competition. This system provides young athletes with access to top-notch training facilities–including gyms, weight rooms, and nutritionists, all while allowing them to pursue an education and train with other high-level athletes.

While this pathway is well-trodden by U.S. elite gymnasts—the entire 2024 Olympic team consists of current or former NCAA gymnasts—there’s a growing number of gymnasts competing in the NCAA and at the elite level for other federations. These gymnasts are both domestic students with ties to other nations and international students alike.

Out of the 96 gymnasts competing in the Olympics, nine gymnasts, or 9.4%, are current or former NCAA gymnasts.

NCAA Representation at the Olympics

While the Olympics does not recognize alternates as Olympians, many national governing bodies do, so traveling alternates are included in the tally, marked with an asterisk (*).

The gymnasts are:

• Ioannis Chronopoulos (Canada), University of Nebraska*

• Emre Dodanli (Turkiye), University of Oklahoma

• Asher Hong (USA), Stanford University

• Paul Juda (USA), University of Michigan

• Brody Malone (USA), Stanford University

• Lais Najjar (Syria), University of Michigan

• Stephen Nedoroscik (USA), Penn State University

• Kevin Penev (Bulgaria), University of Michigan

• Frederick Richard (USA), University of Michigan

• Shane Wiskus (USA), University of Minnesota*

• Khoi Young (USA), Stanford University*

• Samuel Zakutney (Canada), Penn State University

The University of Michigan leads the count with the most athletes at the Games, boasting four gymnasts, followed by Stanford University with three gymnasts. It’s worth noting that Stanford and Michigan were the 2024 NCAA Men’s Gymnastics Champions and Runners-Up, respectively. 

Universities Compared

Notable Near-Qualifiers

Several notable gymnasts came close to Olympic qualification but didn't quite make it. These include the non-traveling U.S. alternates Yul Moldauer from the University of Oklahoma and Patrick Hoopes from the Air Force Academy. Australia's Clay Mason Stephens from the University of Illinois was the runner-up in the Oceania continental qualifier and is first in line if the Oceania all around qualifier withdraws.

Challenges and Initiatives

Despite the NCAA's success in nurturing Olympic-level talent, its status remains precarious. Since 2020, two high-profile men's gymnastics programs have been cut by their athletic departments: the University of Minnesota and the University of Iowa. 

In the face of these changes to the field of NCAA men’s gymnastics programs, organizations like the College Gymnastics Association have been promoting initiatives to encourage more universities to develop gymnastics teams. Take the "New Program Initiative,” for example. Its goal is exactly as it sounds–to grow NCAA men’s gymnastics beyond the 15 programs that are currently running.

Emre Dodanli of Turkiye competes for the University of Oklahoma at the 2024 MPSF Championships  

Remaining Crucial for Aspiring Olympians

Even with its challenges, men's NCAA gymnastics remains a vital stepping stone for young athletes. It offers them the opportunity to hone their skills, gain valuable experience, prepare for the highest levels of competition, and, of course, compete. In the U.S., NCAA athletes have far more opportunities to compete than other elites, which offers the chances to develop consistency and debut skills in a competitive environment prior to doing them at elite meets.

Additionally, it provides college fans with the unique opportunity to cheer for their favorite college athletes on the world stage, fostering a deeper connection between university sports programs and the global Olympic community.

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Article by: Gabe Sanchez

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