Crowds roared and America soared when, after 16 years of drought, the often overlooked men’s gymnastics team brought home an Olympic medal. It was July 31, tensions were high, team USA had already faced a few hiccups with a couple of falls in the early rounds, but then, as it may, America’s very own Clark Kent, Stephen Nedoroscik, came on pommel horse, and ended up helping end the drought. Stephen’s abilities might have pushed Team USA to the podium, but needless to say, it was the effort combined of Brody Malone, Paul Juda, Fred Richard, Asher Hong, and Stephen Nedorocik that helped end this drought. And now, after a whirlwind of an Olympic year, competitions are back in motion, and the biggest competition in America is right here. The Xfinity championships. Now, while the veterans on the women’s team have decided to skip this year, there’s a slight difference in the men’s team.
All but one of the men’s team at the Paris Olympics has decided to skip competing this year. And that is none other than Paul Juda, whose name, as of August 7, is missing from the start list of Senior Men’s Day 1 of Competition. Paul’s absence from the competition does not raise as much concern considering the year that he had personally and professionally. From wrapping up his NCAA career with a championship to starting a new chapter of life with fiancée Reyna Guggino, Paul sure had one hell of a busy year since Paris.
Why Isn’t Paul Juda Competing at the Xfinity Gymnastics Championship?
While currently there is no public report available or official statement as to why Paul Juda is skipping out on competition this year, aside from getting engaged and ending his NCAA career on a high, Paul has dipped his hands into something new. During the NCAA season, he tried his hand at commentating as well during a Michigan meet. Not only this, he was also an active part of Simone Biles‘ GOAT Tour, which kicked off a few weeks after the Paris Olympics ended.
Paris 2024 Olympics – Artistic Gymnastics – Men’s Qualification – Subdivision 1 – Bercy Arena, Paris, France – July 27, 2024. Paul Juda of United States looks on. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
Now, Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Suni Lee are all the names who have joined Paul in the non-competing Team USA members list at the Xfinity Championships. Hezly Rivera from the women’s team is right there, competing and taking her career to new heights. And while the others have still spoken about missing out on competing during the World’s year, Paul is yet to break that silence. However, not competing does not mean not being present. Does that mean Paul is coming to the event or participating in some other way? Let’s find out.
Is Paul Juda Attending the Event in a Non-Competing Role?
Following the success of the Olympic year, Paul Juda transitioned into an entrepreneurial role—becoming Chief Revenue and Brand Officer (and part-owner) at GymnastX—signaling a change in how he may engage with gymnastics events going forward. “When I had the opportunity to join on board, I said, ‘Why not help grow a business, but also one that actually serves a purpose?’”, said Paul to Inside Gymnastics, when Gymnast X approached him about an NIL-type endorsement. Having used the brand for over 10 years now, it was time for Paul to take up the next step, and he readily agreed to join with the sole purpose of growing the sport tenfold.
Taking to Instagram, Paul posted a fun out-of-the-mat competition for the fans. Spot the Olympic medalist, and win a chance to score a FREE X Band from GymnastX and a photo with the Champ! — while supplies last, with some additional perks. Now we know that Paul is not competing, but will be there at the event. At what capacity? Well, that’s what the fuss is all about! Let’s find out together!
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