Write up courtesy of Caelan Chevrier
On the latest episode of “The Huddle” hosts Destiny Sanchez and Noah Odige interviewed Penn State Gymnast, Michael Jaroh.
Jaroh is a Senior from Northville, Mich. who has been awarded one All-America honor, two first-team All-Big Ten honors, two Big Ten Gymnast of the Week awards and two Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. He has also accumulated a massive following on social media platforms such as TikTok in which he boasts over two million followers and over 77 million likes on his videos.
An Interview with Michael Jaroh (0:19)
Jaroh hosts his own podcast, “Stretching with Mike” in which he talks to other Penn State athletes. He described his workload from being a student athlete, to making content, to doing homework as initially tough. He first wanted to tackle everything on his own, but since hiring an editor and videographer he is now less stressed.
How He Grew as An Athlete and Businessperson (7:28)
Jaroh started gymnastics at age four, and grew to enjoy it more because of his family, and especially his sister. Now, years later, he is making money off his passion via NIL deals. He credits his agency for helping him negotiate deals, and present opportunities with branding. Jaroh thinks that sometimes working with others can be hard, but he ultimately loves what he does, making it all worth it.
Jaroh on Challenges and his Upcoming Season (12:00)
This summer, during a practice, Jaroh became concussed after hitting his head on one of the high bars. Disappointed that he couldn’t compete in one of his biggest tournaments he said, “Whatever happens happens. If you fall you fall, you can’t do anything about it, you just have to get back up and keep going.” Jaroh knew that he had to start competing as soon as he was cleared. “It crushed my heart, (watching his teammates compete from the sidelines) but it lit this fire in me, I know I deserve it.”
Jaroh is now set to compete in his last year as a Penn State student. However, he has even bigger goals with his eyes set on the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. With his struggles and triumphs, his mentality has remained the same throughout all of his years competing.
“When I’m at the meet, I feel like a different person, I feel like my full self.” - Michael Jaroh via The Huddle
Listen to the full interview here:
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