Have you ever scrolled past someone doing a crazy gymnastics flip mid-air and instantly stopped? Odds are, you just met Michael Jaroh. He’s not only Penn State’s star gymnast, he’s also the #1 male gymnast on TikTok. Yep, with nearly 2 million followers on the app and over 204k on Instagram, Jaroh is living a double life: crushing NCAA routines by day and going viral by night. But don’t let the smooth landings fool you; this fifth-year media studies major has earned every bit of it. With two All-America honors, three All-Big Ten first-team nods, and a Big Ten title on high bar, he’s more than just a social media star. He’s the real deal. But even the strongest athletes hit a wall. So did he!

Recently, Jaroh dropped some news that hit hard: he had to get labrum surgery, likely in his shoulder. For a gymnast, that’s no small thing. That’s strength, balance, and control of everything. Yet, in Jaroh’s style, he didn’t hide it. No, instead, he shared it. Inside Gym posted a powerful split image: on the left, he’s lying in a hospital bed, thumbs up, post-surgery smile; on the right, he’s frozen mid-routine, muscles locked, eyes focused.

The caption read, “Penn State Men’s Gymnastics alum Michael Jaroh… is on the mend… focused on making a run for the 2028 Olympics.” That’s a plot twist and a comeback teaser. What makes him stand out isn’t just the flips; it’s the fearlessness. Michael Jaroh doesn’t just post highlights; he posts heartbreak, healing, and hustle. From battling eight concussions to openly talking about self-doubt and faith, he’s inviting fans into the full journey, not just the polished podium pics.

This surgery followed a significant setback when Penn State finished 5th at the 2025 NCAA Men’s Gymnastics Championships in Ann Arbor (April 18–19, 2025). That placement was their best since 2016 — not a “loss” per se, but falling short of the podium at the national level. And now, as Jaroh works toward the 2028 Olympics, he’s bringing us all along for the ride.

The injuries, the comebacks, the faith, the fire—it’s all part of the story. Because with Jaroh, it’s never just about landing the move. Before he wore Penn State blue, Jaroh was already turning heads.

A gymnastics star, born, not made

For Michael Jaroh, gymnastics isn’t just a sport; it’s in his DNA. Hailing from Michigan, Jaroh dedicated over a decade, 11 intense, disciplined years, to training with the Michigan Elite Gymnastics Academy, where his commitment and skill culminated in a national title on rings in 2018. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Jaroh brought more than just talent to Penn State; he brought legacy.

But his journey hasn’t been easy. Even before stepping onto the college stage, he faced multiple concussions, injuries that only grew more serious over time. “At first, after my seventh concussion, I was terrified of a few things in gymnastics,” he admitted. “And then eventually I kind of realized whatever’s gonna happen is gonna happen.” Jaroh’s career at Penn State was as decorated as it was demanding.

A two-time All-American, three-time All-Big Ten First Team selection, and the 2024 Big Ten High Bar Champion, Jaroh left his mark on the Nittany Lions’ program. “It’s a really loving team that we have,” he said. “My coach always told us, ‘Leave a culture that makes itself better.’ I think my class has done that.”

Through it all, the routines, the awards, and even eight concussions, Jaroh also built a digital empire. As graduation nears and a new chapter begins, one thing’s clear: Michael Jaroh isn’t finished flipping, and this next routine might be his most powerful yet.