This week's episode was commissioned by Anonymous, who requested an episode about the US men's bronze-medal performance in the 2008 team final, saying: “I would like to dedicate the commission to all of the females, be it as coaches, judges or fans, who have fled the WAG dark side to appreciate all of the joys, amazement and wonders on the extraordinary MAG side of the sport. The story of the 2008 US Men's Team Bronze is a perfect example of why we love MAG so much.” Setting the scene: The US men's fantastic 2004 Olympics and subsequent tragic start to the open-code era Most dramatic selection EVAH: We've got freak mat injuries, positive drug tests that USAG continues lying about on its website (FUN), injury petitions directly onto the Olympic team, mysterious demonstrations of readiness at camp, last minute-withdrawals, and a team of backups with absolutely no chance of winning a medal.  First-hand accounts: Behind-the-scenes tales from Justin Spring and Jon Horton about what went on at trials and before qualification at the Olympics The competition:  Baby Kohei Alert The turning point on vault when Horton stuck his double front (with a requisite side rant about vault scoring, especially in 2008) What the eff was going on with these rings positions? Horton and Spring sticking their HB dismounts back-to-back — and Fabian falling (WHAAA?) Last-minute replacement Artemev heroes out a bronze-sealing PH hit after a lead-off fall How narrative totally changes your memories Why this team won bronze: Complete with Kensley's feelings-heavy roadmap to success in 2020. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 402: 1984 NCAA Championships (Commissioned) 400: 2024 Fantasy Compulsories (Commissioned) 399: CHUSO! (Commissioned) 386: Things You Only Know If You’re a Gymnast, with Bram Verhofstad (Commissioned) 374: GymCastic Podcast—Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Heading (Commissioned) 368: No-No-Nunnoisms (Commissioned) 367: Shawn and Nastia: From Feud to Friendship (Commissioned) 365: 1988 Olympics Team Competition (Commissioned) 364: 80s Fight! (Commissioned) 344: Shushunova vs. Silivas 1988 (Commissioned) 342: A Quitter’s Try – The CNN Parkettes Documentary (Commissioned) 341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code (Commissioned) 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)