Brody Malone’s father, John Malone, has always been a proud parent. During NBC’s broadcast of the 2024 Summer Olympics on Monday night, July 29, John shared a deeply emotional message dedicated to his 24-year-old son and the entire Team USA as they competed in the men’s artistic all-around gymnastics final. This event concluded with Team USA winning the bronze medal, breaking a 16-year medal drought.
A Father’s Emotional Letter
The touching video, featuring John reading from a heartfelt letter while photo montages played, quickly made its way to social media. In a TikTok video posted by multiple NBC accounts, John began, “I want to tell you about my oldest boy Brody.” He spoke of Brody’s early years, highlighting his competitive spirit and recalling an incident when a two-year-old Brody broke his arm trying to climb out of his crib, which led to his introduction to gymnastics.
Tracing Brody’s Roots
John and his wife Tracey, who met in college through an equestrian program, raised their family in Cedartown, Georgia. John described it as “a great place for Brody to grow up.” He shared that all their children were introduced to horseback riding by kindergarten, thanks to their equestrian background.
However, in 2012, the Malone family faced a devastating loss when Tracey passed away from cancer. This tragedy had a profound impact on Brody, pushing him to channel his grief into his gymnastics career. John noted, “Like me, Brody doesn’t like to show his emotions too much. So, I think he buried himself in competition and let all of his pain out through sports.”
Achieving a Shared Dream
Competing in the Olympics was a dream Brody shared with his late mother. John expressed his belief that Tracey continues to watch over Brody, saying, “I know Tracey’s watching over Brody still, and I can see her smile, hear her laugh, and feel her joy.” Overcome with emotion, John paused before concluding, “So, son, go get ’em tonight. Your mom and I are so proud of you.”
Brody’s Olympic Journey
The Paris Games marked Brody’s second Olympic appearance, following his participation in the 2021 Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan. His bronze medal win in Paris came at a special time as he prepared for another significant milestone in his life.
Brody Malone’s Upcoming Wedding
In an exclusive interview with The Knot, updated on July 17, Brody shared details about his upcoming wedding to fiancée Serena Ortiz. Both Brody’s father and Serena were present in Paris to witness his medal-winning moment.
Brody and Serena’s love story began in high school. They got engaged on New Year’s Eve in 2023. Despite attending colleges on opposite coasts, they made a conscious effort to see each other frequently. Serena took online classes to facilitate her travels to see Brody, demonstrating her dedication to their relationship. Brody expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m super blessed and grateful that she was as dedicated as she was to our relationship.”
A Future Together
Serena shared her excitement about their engagement, revealing she had an inkling it was coming when her parents and best friend joined them on a holiday vacation. The couple is now planning a May 2025 wedding near Brody’s hometown.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Brody Malone?
Brody Malone is a 24-year-old American gymnast who has competed in the 2021 and 2024 Summer Olympics, earning a bronze medal in the men’s artistic all-around gymnastics final in Paris 2024.
2. How did Brody Malone get into gymnastics?
Brody began gymnastics after breaking his arm while trying to climb out of his crib at the age of two. His parents enrolled him in the sport to channel his energy positively.
3. What impact did Brody Malone’s mother’s death have on him?
The death of Brody’s mother, Tracey Malone, in 2012 profoundly affected him, pushing him to focus his emotions and energy into his gymnastics career.
4. Who is Brody Malone’s fiancée?
Brody Malone is engaged to Serena Ortiz. The couple has known each other since high school and got engaged on New Year’s Eve in 2023. They are planning a wedding for May 2025.
5. How did Brody Malone perform at the 2024 Summer Olympics?
Brody Malone and Team USA won the bronze medal in the men’s artistic all-around gymnastics final at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, ending a 16-year medal drought for the team.