From the pommel horse to the dance floor, the summer of Stephen Nedoroscik will roll on. “Dancing with the Stars” announced the beloved American gymnast as the show’s first celebrity contestant Thursday.
Team USA selected the 25-year-old Nedoroscik as a one-event specialist, and he went on to earn two Olympic medals at the 2024 Games. The first came in thrilling fashion in the team final as he waited over two hours before clinching the bronze medal for the U.S. Days later, he earned another bronze for his individual pommel horse performance, becoming the first American male to win an individual gym medal since 2016.
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“Good Morning America” announced Nedoroscik’s “Dancing With The Stars” selection, and he told host Robin Roberts he may be planning to bring some of his gymnastics routine to the dance floor.
“I’m hoping to bring some of them. I want to bring some flares, I want to bring some of that gymnastics,” he said. “Maybe a back flip or handstand. I want to have fun with it.”
The 33rd season of the show will premiere Sept. 17.
Nedoroscik will become the first male gymnast to compete on the show, while previous Olympic gymnasts include Shawn Johnson, Aly Raisman, Nastia Liukin, Laurie Hernandez and Simone Biles. Johnson and Hernandez both won their seasons, while other victorious athletes include Emmitt Smith, Hines Ward, Donald Driver, Apollo Ohno and Kristi Yamaguchi.
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Much of Nedoroscik’s sudden summer fame can be tied to his Clark Kent-like appearance as the bespectacled gymnast drew viral attention for transforming into an Olympic hero after removing his glasses. Nedoroscik, who has strabismus and coloboma, has used his social media presence to advocate for individuals with low vision.
After his Olympic performance, he told reporters he competes without glasses and mostly relies on feel and familiarity.
When asked if he plans on dancing with his glasses on or off, Nedoroscik told Roberts he may use the famed eyewear to his advantage.
“Yeah, I might have fun with it,” he said. “I’m scared they’ll fly off is the thing, but maybe we could do a gadget to keep them or maybe a new pair of glasses to match the theme, right? That’s what I’m thinking.”
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(Photo: Naomi Baker / Getty Images)
