Paul Juda has always let himself dream, but never too extravagantly. Keeping his aspirations within reach was a safer bet to ensure that he remained grounded. Yet, his determination saw him qualify for the individual all-around final at the Olympic Games, finishing in 13th place and playing a pivotal role in Team USA’s historic win. The men grabbed their medal breaking the sixteen-year-long drought that the US men’s gymnastics team was fighting against. However, the genesis of Juda’s Olympic dreams began early. 

Paul Juda’s journey from the son of Polish immigrants to an Olympic medalist is indeed a tale to tell. As a freshman in high school, he attended a training camp for the junior national team, where the coaches emphasized the potential for greatness within the room. This moment was a catalyst, opening Juda’s mind to the immense possibilities that hard work can unlock. To stay true to his dreams, young Juda purchased an Olympic flag and hung it in his bedroom. And, his journey towards fulfilling his dream began with an audacious promise that he made to his father, Jozef Juda. 

Reflecting on the promise that his son made, Paul Juda’s father recalled his words, “Daddy, you won’t have to pay a penny”. However, his father’s initial skepticism gave way to pride as Juda’s dedication and talent opened doors. “I smiled because he had a good heart, but I didn’t believe him”, said Jozef Juda, sharing his early thoughts. But, by the time he graduated from Adlai E. Stevenson High School in 2019, Juda had turned this promise into reality. Dominating the Junior Olympics with two all-around titles and clinching a silver medal on the still rings at the senior U.S. championships, his achievements drew the attention of top colleges at just 17. His achievements garnered multiple college offers. And then finally he chose the University of Michigan, valuing both its academic programs and its renowned men’s gymnastics team.

Paul Juda fulfills his father’s dream, rising from humble Polish roots to Olympic glory

Juda’s father, Jozef Juda, left a small farm in Poland for the promise of a better life in Chicago, working tirelessly to support his family back home. After he arrived in the USA he struggled hard to get hold of a suitable job. Thus, he decided to settle in Chicago which housed a small Polish population. And finally found a union job as a certified electrician in the 1980s.

Despite the language barrier and starting with no relatives in the U.S., Jozef’s hard work and perseverance laid a strong foundation for his family and little son. Paul’s grandfather used to work tirelessly on a farm with just two horses and then his father tried to make the days better for his family. 

It was on a return trip to Poland when Jozef Juda met Paul Juda’s mom, Jozef’s wife Ewa Bacher. The couple settled in Deerfield and brought up three children. Growing up in Deerfield, Illinois, little Paul showed an early affinity for gymnastics, displaying extraordinary skills at just four years old. From doing splits in the kitchen to eventually competing on the Olympic stage, Paul’s journey narrates the story of an athlete who dared to dream big while keeping his feet firmly on the ground.