PARIS — They threw fists into the air and waved their arms to pump up the crowd. High-fives were loudly exchanged, with chalk flying into the air.
The United States men’s gymnastics team won a bronze medal here Monday — their first medal in 16 years — through talent and training, of course. A whole lot of passion and teamwork didn’t hurt either as “U-S-A, U-S-A” chants echoed around Bercy Arena.
It was the U.S. men’s first team medal since securing a bronze in 2008.
The American team of Asher Hong, Paul Juda, Frederick Richard, Stephen Nedoroscik and Brody Malone were giant slayers here, going from fifth in qualifying to the podium by routinely surpassing expectations.