Aayush Pathak
In a heartfelt revelation, 23-year-old Paul Juda, who recently secured a bronze medal in men’s team gymnastics at the Paris Olympics, credits his girlfriend, Reyna Guggino, for playing a pivotal role in his journey. Guggino, a fellow gymnast at the University of Michigan, provided the motivation Juda needed to chase his Olympic dreams when he was ready to give up.
A Tough Conversation Sparks Change
Juda shared with PEOPLE that just a month before the Olympic trials, he had begun to accept the possibility of not making the team. He was even discussing future plans with Guggino, indicating a shift away from gymnastics. “I was telling her we could do all these fun things and move on with our lives, and she really had a stern talking-to with me,” Juda recounted.
Guggino’s words struck a chord. She told him, “I don’t think you’re going to like to hear this, but I came to one of your practices and you just kind of looked like you were giving up, and I know that’s not you.” Her candid feedback was hard for Juda to digest at the time, especially since he thought she would be pleased to hear about their future plans. Instead, Guggino encouraged him to pursue his Olympic aspirations, stating, “I want you to chase your dream; you only have one chance to chase it.”
The Impact of Support
Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Juda admitted he was upset with Guggino initially but now recognizes how crucial her support was to his success. “If she didn’t have that stern talking-to with me, I probably would’ve spiraled out and maybe not even made a real push for it,” he said. He emphasized the importance of having someone who understands the challenges of gymnastics by his side, stating, “To have that kind of love, to have that kind of support… it’s a dream come true.”
Juda vividly remembers the first time he saw Guggino during her visit to the University of Michigan. “She was wearing this really cute outfit in Timberland boots, a beanie, jeans, and a Michigan crew neck, and I was like, ‘I’m going to marry that girl for sure,’” he recalled.
Celebrating Olympic Success Together
After winning the bronze medal, Juda celebrated with Guggino and her family, who were there to support him. “She made so many different surprises for me that I had no idea about,” he said, detailing how Guggino created a custom denim jacket with his name and arranged for his family to wear temporary tattoos of his face.
As Juda continues his Olympic journey, he is not only focused on his performance but also cherishes the support system that Guggino provides. “Every hard day is easy with her. And when I come home, I’ve got nothing but a best friend. She’s the love of my life,” he expressed.
With Guggino’s unwavering encouragement and support, Juda has transformed his Olympic dreams into reality, marking a significant milestone in his gymnastics career. As he prepares for future competitions, he carries with him the motivation and love that Guggino has instilled in him, making their bond even stronger.
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