LOS ANGELES — Former Penn State gymnast and two-time Olympic medalist Stephen Nedoroscik was announced on Thursday, Aug. 22, as the first celebrity contestant for 33rd season of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”
Nedoroscik, who was affectionately nicknamed the “pommel horse guy” during his run at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, will be the first male gymnast to be featured on the reality competition show.
“I’m going to be dancing for everyone in America that’s uncomfortable dancing because I’m uncomfortable dancing,” Nedoroscik exclaimed during the announcement on “Good Morning America.” “But, if I can do it, anyone can.”
The 25-year-old Nittany Lion alumnus won over the hearts of Olympic viewers with his calm demeanor, his love for his Penn State sweetheart, his resemblance to Clark Kent and, of course, his skills on the pommel horse, which brought a bronze home for Nedoroscik and another one for Team USA.
When asked about being compared to Superman, the 2020 PSU graduate wants to let his Clark Kent characteristics shine.
“I think it’s awesome,” he shared excitedly. “It’s really cool to be compared to Superman because it’s a compliment. I’m just really soaking all that in and trying to embrace my inner Superman.”
He’s used his now public platform to raise awareness for and support individuals with low vision. Nedoroscik himself lives with strabismus, a condition where both eyes do not line up in the same direction. Many online were quick to point out his resemblance to Clark Kent when he removed his glasses for his pommel horse performance, with the official Olympics X account even calling him “the Clark Kent of pommel horse.”
Nedoroscik competed with the US Men’s Gymnastics Team for this year’s Summer Games, contributing to the first men’s gymnastics team medal in 16 years for Team USA.
The athlete quickly became an internet sensation during the Paris Olympics, with pictures of him dosing off before being awarded a medal becoming a viral meme and Nedoroscik even making an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Despite all the attention following the Summer Olympics, Nedoroscik noted that one of the best moments after competing was being able to come home.
“I think the best moment was probably when I was able to just get home right away and play with my cat,” he explained.
The full cast for season 33 of “Dancing with the Stars” is expected to be released on “Good Morning America” on Wednesday, Sept. 5. The first show of the season is set to air on ABC and Disney+ at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Alfonso Riberio and Julianne Hough will be back for another season to co-host the competition reality show, along with the returning panel of judges, including Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough.
When it comes to dancing, Nedoroscik noted that while a bit intimidated by being out of his wheelhouse, he is excited to get started and said his best move is his breakdancing.
When asked if his pommel horse and gymnastics skills will transfer to the dance floor, he said he definitely wants to hit some flair eventually.
“I want to bring some of that gymnastics, maybe a backflip or a handstand,” he emphasized. “I want to have fun with it.”
