USA Gymnastics hired a specialist, Stephen Nedoroscik, to help the American men’s Olympic gymnastics team medal for the first time since 2008. Nedoroscik qualified for the team solely on his pommel horse routine. Despite only competing in one event, his high scores make him a valuable addition to the team. Nedoroscik’s strength in the pommel horse routine helps to increase the team’s overall scoring potential. The U.S. men’s program has worked to increase difficulty scores to compete against top teams like Japan and China. The women’s team has consistently medaled in past Olympics due to their difficult skill sets. The U.S. men will need to be nearly flawless to earn a team medal in the final competition in Paris. Despite a fifth-place finish in the qualifying round, the team has shown improvement and increased difficulty in their routines. The men’s team final takes place on Monday in Paris, with Russia not competing due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. This opportunity may be the American men’s best chance to finally win a team medal in Olympic gymnastics.
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