RIO DE JANEIRO – Before the U.S. men’s gymnastics team departed for the Olympics, staff athletic trainer Jamie Broz handed captain Chris Brooks a care package.
It included super glue (for two reasons), a fruit-and-nut mix and a sticky pad of 30 inspirational quotes. The quotes, Broz said, were for Brooks to read to the team, one per day, before they leave the Olympic Village for the gymnastics arena.
Broz happened to be passing by the gymnasts’ room early Tuesday when she heard Brooks “shout” the quote.
Then they all stepped into an elevator and embarked for team qualifying on the first day of the Games.