Paris Olympic Success Sparks Optimism for the Future of Men’s College Gymnastics

 

Men’s gymnastics in the U.S. has faced a downward trend for decades, with numerous high school and college programs being cut, including storied Big Ten teams like the University of Minnesota and University of Iowa, which were discontinued as recently as 2021.

However, the strong performance of the U.S. gymnastics team at the Paris Olympics—composed entirely of NCAA athletes—has brought a renewed sense of hope to college coaches. The Olympic team included members from Stanford, the University of Michigan, Penn State, and the University of Minnesota’s former program.

Despite the U.S. having only 15 active men’s gymnastics programs (12 in Division I and 3 in Division III), the Olympians represented one-fifth of these programs. William & Mary, which had planned to cut its team after the 2020-21 season, reinstated it shortly afterward, offering a glimmer of hope for the sport.

In addition to the Olympics, the sport saw a boost in fall 2021 when Simpson College and Greenville University announced the launch of new men’s gymnastics programs. This marked a rare addition of teams after a 60-year hiatus.

“It was unprecedented to see the addition of teams after so many years,” Penn State Head Coach Randy Jepson told CNN Sport. “This momentum is incredibly exciting.”

Although both Simpson and Greenville are smaller Division III institutions with around 1,000 students each, compared to larger Division I schools like the University of Michigan, they are already proving competitive. Greenville, for instance, ranked higher than William & Mary and Army at the end of the past season.

The success of these new programs is promising, but sustaining them requires more than just victories. Historically, many programs that have won national championships no longer exist, showing that success alone doesn’t guarantee longevity.

Financial stability plays a crucial role in a program’s survival. With the NCAA’s recent shift to allow student-athletes to profit from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, there may be new opportunities for gymnastics, a sport traditionally supported by private clubs rather than schools.

The NIL policy, introduced in 2021, follows California's 2019 law allowing athletes to earn endorsement money and a 2021 U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting education-related payments. This new landscape could provide gymnastics with unique opportunities for growth.

“There's potential for gymnastics to benefit from the fusion of private enterprise and college athletics,” said Colin Payne, Head Coach at Simpson College. “Given gymnastics' established private club model, there’s a surprising amount of opportunity for the sport.”

The Olympic success, including standout performances by bronze medalist Stephen Nedoroscik, has also contributed to a surge in interest. Nedoroscik’s performances and public appearances, such as on The Tonight Show, have generated increased enthusiasm, especially in his hometown gym.

Nedoroscik’s success, despite competing in just one of six gymnastics events, and his engaging personality have captivated the public. His achievements underscore the sport’s potential to attract and inspire a new generation of gymnasts.

“There are many boys who might not fit into traditional sports like basketball or football but are drawn to gymnastics for its unique challenges,” Jepson said. “Gymnastics provides an exciting and challenging opportunity for those who might not find their niche elsewhere.”

Coaches recognize the need to nurture interest from youth through collegiate levels to ensure the sport’s future. With no professional level for men’s gymnastics, the Olympics remain the pinnacle of competition.

NCAA competitions provide fans with Olympic-level gymnastics on a regular basis, offering a high-quality viewing experience without the need for international travel.

“The level of gymnastics at NCAA meets is comparable to what fans see at the Olympics,” Jepson noted. “The best athletes are performing at a high level every weekend.”

Despite the challenges, the collaboration among coaches and the shared commitment to growing the sport offer hope. “Men’s gymnastics is on a positive trajectory, and the relationships among coaches are a testament to the sport’s community spirit,” said Zach Peters, Head Coach at Greenville University.

With continued support and growth, men’s gymnastics can build on its Olympic success and secure a brighter future.