Success at Paris Olympics Sparks Optimism for Men’s College Gymnastics Coaches

Men’s gymnastics in the U.S. has been struggling for decades, with numerous high school and college programs shutting down, including notable Big Ten programs like the University of Minnesota and University of Iowa, which were cut in 2021.

However, the U.S. team’s performance at the Paris Olympics, composed entirely of NCAA gymnasts, has renewed optimism among college coaches. The Olympians hailed from Stanford, the University of Michigan, Penn State, and the defunct University of Minnesota program. Despite representing a fifth of all current programs, this is a small fraction of the 15 active programs—12 in Division I and three in Division III.

A bright spot for the sport appeared in the fall of 2021, when Simpson College and Greenville University announced new men’s gymnastics programs. This was a notable development, as no new teams had been added in 60 years. Penn State Head Coach Randy Jepson expressed enthusiasm for this momentum.

Though Simpson and Greenville are smaller Division III schools compared to large Division I institutions like the University of Michigan, their competitive spirit is evident. Simpson Head Coach Colin Payne emphasized focusing on their own performance rather than comparing facilities.

Despite their size, Simpson and Greenville have already shown competitive prowess, with Greenville ranking higher than William & Mary and Army at the end of the past season.

The early success of new gymnastics programs is promising, but historical data suggests that winning alone may not be enough to ensure a program’s longevity. Eleven programs that once won national championships have since been discontinued.

Financial stability often determines a program’s survival. While sports like football and basketball typically generate revenue, gymnastics faces unique challenges. With recent changes in NCAA policy—such as the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and student-athletes being treated more like employees—there are new opportunities for gymnastics. This shift follows California’s 2019 law allowing athletes to earn endorsement money and a landmark 2021 U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting education-related payments, which have redefined college sports.

Simpson College Head Coach Colin Payne sees potential in merging this private enterprise model with college athletics. He believes that the specialization and existing privatized model in gymnastics could benefit from NIL opportunities, which are less common in other sports.

The recent Olympic success provides an additional boost. “In my coaching career, this is probably one of the most optimistic points for me,” Payne told CNN. “We have genuine interest now, and we hope to leverage the momentum from the Olympics and the success of athletes like Stephen Nedoroscik.”

Nedoroscik, who won bronze for the U.S. in the team event and on the pommel horse, has already had a significant impact on the sport. His success has sparked unprecedented interest in his hometown gym, with many parents eager to enroll their sons. His recent appearance on the Tonight Show also highlights the growing visibility of gymnastics.

The pommel horse specialist surprised many by making the Team USA squad, given he competes in only one of the six events in men’s gymnastics. However, his selection proved invaluable as his performance was crucial in securing bronze in the team event, alongside his individual achievements.

While Nedoroscik is technically exceptional, it’s his distinctive personality that has truly captivated the public. Known for his thick-rimmed glasses—leading the internet to nickname him the “Clark Kent” of Team USA—he also stands out for his sideline meditation and love for Rubik’s cubes.

His college coach, Randy Jepson, views Nedoroscik as a prime example of a gymnast who thrives in the sport. “There are many boys who might not fit into traditional sports like basketball, football, or soccer. They may see the world differently, be more cerebral, and still seek athletic opportunities,” Jepson said. “Gymnastics offers that chance due to its unique challenges and excitement, providing a fun and fulfilling experience for those who are a bit different.”

Other coaches agree with this perspective, recognizing that gymnastics appeals to a specific type of athlete who needs programs available at all stages of development to nurture their interest.

“Many talented gymnasts, who might not reach Olympic levels but have significant potential, step away from the sport once they reach high school because there aren’t enough opportunities,” Payne noted.

To build on the success of the Olympic team, there must be opportunities for gymnasts from youth through high school and into college. “In gymnastics, the Olympics is essentially the professional level,” Payne added.

While many elite female gymnasts turn professional right out of high school, most members of the U.S. men’s national team are currently in college or recent graduates. This means that fans can see these world-class athletes compete in NCAA meets every weekend without having to travel to Paris.

“The level of gymnastics displayed at NCAA championships, and even at conference meets, is on par with Olympic-level performances,” Jepson said.

Despite competing against one another, teams understand they share the common goal of growing the sport. “Men’s gymnastics is a collective effort, and it’s moving in a positive direction,” Greenville University Head Coach Zach Peters told CNN Sport. “It’s rare to see such strong relationships among head coaches.”

The sport still has room for growth, but the recent success of Team USA offers hope for a brighter future.

“Fans are witnessing the best gymnasts competing every weekend during the collegiate season,” Jepson said. “They’re seeing top-tier performances consistently.”