Olympian Brody Malone’s Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

I’ve had the privilege of observing and learning from some truly remarkable athletes as they prepare for the Paris Olympics in 2024. Each one of them carries a unique story and determination that sets them apart.


Get ready to cry ugly tears.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 29, Brody Malley, a U.S. gymnast, earned a bronze medal alongside Team USA. On the very same day, his father John Malley offered him heartfelt motivation.

John expressed in a heartfelt video letter (previously posted by NBC News on X, now known as Twitter) that he wanted to talk about his eldest son Brody. Born with his mother’s radiant smile and an innate passion for competition inherited from John himself, Brody had quite the energy. When he was just two years old, he managed to break his arm while trying to climb out of his crib. To channel this energy constructively, they enrolled him in gymnastics.

John continued by sharing their story, which began when he and his partner Tracey Malone crossed paths at college within the equestrian program. Eventually, they chose to settle down in a quaint little town in Georgia, specifically Cedar Town.

“Brody had a wonderful childhood there,” he went on. “But sadly, we lost Trace to cancer in 2012.”

Based on John’s account, the family’s sad experience served as a source of inspiration for Brody to excel as an athlete at the highest level.

“Brody, similar to me, keeps his feelings hidden. I believe he channeled his pain into competition as a means of expression.”

Besides John, who has children Cooper, Tyler, and Briley with his deceased spouse, understands fully well that Tracey would be immensely proud of the remarkable achievements of their 24-year-old offspring today.

1. “Brody and his mother had always shared the dream of competing at the Olympics,” he said, momentarily pausing to brush away tears. “I know your grandmother is looking down on you now, and I can sense her pride. So, my boy, seize this opportunity tonight. We, your mom and I, are incredibly proud of you.” (This version maintains the emotional tone while also clarifying the relationship between Brody, his mother, and his grandmother.)

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Brody, joined by teammates Asher Hong, Frederick Richard, Paul Juda, and Stephen Nedoroscik, finished in third place and earned the US men’s gymnastics team their initial Olympic medal since 2008.

A year ago, Brody endured a severe knee injury during a mishap at the DTB Cup in Germany in March 2023, while dismounting. Yet, despite this setback, his recent achievement is all the more noteworthy.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

However, Brody made a miraculous comeback and won the U.S. gymnastics championships a year later. 

Keep reading for every inspiring, must-see moment from the 2024 summer games.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

The British divers Tom Daley and Noah Williams had a humorous incident while they bagged the silver medal in the synchronized diving event.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Ronald Zabala-Goetschel from Ecuador didn’t perform very well during the equestrian event.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Team USA swimmer Katie Grimes gave us all double vision.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Lauren Scruggs, Lee Kiefer, and Eleanor Harvey from both the U.S. and Canadian foil teams rejoiced over their Olympic victories by emulating a traditional gesture – sinking their teeth into their hard-earned medals.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Denmark and Norway delivered during the preliminary handball competition.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Frida Andersen of Sweden went for an epic jump during the equestrian competition. 

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal celebrated a win in their first double match. 

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Lebron James made winning look easy. 

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

USA fencer Lee Kiefer celebrated her win against China’s Huang Qianqian

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Vietnam’s Ha Thi Ling took a punch from Tonga’s Feofaaki Epenis

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

2024 Olympics’ Day Two: Simone Biles, the renowned gymnastics champion, expressed her appreciation to her supporters during the gymnastics qualifiers.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

John Florence from Team USA, one of the surfers, got into the spirit and danced joyfully during the Opening Ceremony in French Polynesia alongside his teammates.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

1976 Olympic gold medalist Nadia Comaneci enthusiastically interacted with Amelie Mauresmo, a renowned French tennis player, during the torch ritual.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Despite the heavy rain, Team Japan remained enthusiastic and enjoyed themselves fully during the Opening Ceremony.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Team New Zealand gleefully navigated the Seine during the Opening Ceremony, evidently in high spirits.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

At the sand ceremony in French Polynesia, Surfer Saffi Vette from Team New Zealand carefully poured the sand.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

At the 2024 Opening Ceremony in Paris, Team USA achieved a remarkable milestone by signaling the beginning of the games with a stunning display.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Recently named hype-up leader for both the U.S.A. Water Polo Women’s and Men’s National Teams, rap icon Flavor Flav, dressed fittingly in water polo attire, was a standout at the games.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Snoop Dogg greeted the crowds as he held the torch ahead of the Opening Ceremony. 

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Malaysia’s Johnathan Guanjie Wong was ready for a bullseye as he practiced shooting. 

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

In a friendly greeting, Sweden’s Vilma Bobeck and Rebecca Netzle exchanged smiles while preparing for the women’s skiff race competition.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Spain’s monarchs, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, tried to keep themselves from getting wet as they enjoyed the Parade of Nations along Paris’ River Seine.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Caroline Marks, a surfer from the USA, seized an opportunity for practice in Tahiti, the venue for the 2024 surfing competitions.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Sibel Altinkaya of Turkey had her eyes on the prize—and the ball—ahead of her table tennis games. 

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

As an obsessed fan, I couldn’t believe my eyes when the incredible U.S. women’s Olympic tennis team, comprised of Emma Navarro, Danielle Collins, Jessica Pegula, Desirae Krawczyk, and the young phenom Coco Gauff, snapped a selfie right in front of me! What an unforgettable moment it was to witness them up close!

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, Jagger Eaton from the USA, is gearing up for his second Olympic appearance.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Henry Hutchinson of Australia scored a try in his game against Samoa.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Simone Biles practiced on a balance beam while training for the 2024 Olympics.

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

The French and American men’s rugby teams fought over possession. 

Olympian Brody Malone's Dad Brings the Ugly Tears With Moving Letter

Frederick Richard hit the gymnastics floor to train on the parallel bars.

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2024-07-30 18:48