After nailing his pommel horse routine in the team final and helping Team USA secure the bronze medal, Stephen Nedoroscik quickly became an internet sensation. His combination of glasses, relaxed demeanor, nerdy hobbies, and impressive athleticism has endeared him to many Olympic viewers. The viral images of Nedoroscik, particularly one of him visualizing his routine during the team final—where some viewers likened his calm focus to “napping” before a big performance—have resonated widely. The fact that Nedoroscik takes off his glasses before competing has drawn comparisons to Superman’s Clark Kent, adding to the narrative of his transformation into a “superhero” on the pommel horse.

Stephen has embraced the attention, engaging with everyone from the beloved children’s character Elmo to being a featured guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Media Tour

Outside of competing at the Olympics, Nedoroscik’s highest-profile appearance came on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. During the interview, he shared his experiences in Paris and the journey that led to his Olympic success.

In a memorable segment, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots’ Tariq performed a humorous song about how to spell Stephen Nedoroscik’s name, featuring Stephen in his now-iconic “napping” pose.

Nedoroscik’s media appearances also highlighted one of his unique hobbies: solving a Rubik’s Cube. His skill in this area has further endeared him to fans, showcasing a different side of the athlete beyond his gymnastics prowess—something we don’t always see with high profile athletes.

Social Media Reactions

During his Olympic performances, many viewers took to social media to express their admiration for the pommel horse specialist. Below is a selection of some of the best memes celebrating Nedoroscik:

Best memes about his performance

Best memes about him “napping”

Best memes about being “nerdy”

Other Appearances

Nedoroscik also caught the attention of satirical news outlet The Onion, which featured him in a humorous article where he “abuses” a pommel horse. 

Olympic Achievements

Stephen Nedoroscik earned two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics—one as part of Team USA’s performance and another in the individual pommel horse event final. Prior to Paris, his most notable achievement was winning the 2021 World Championship title on the pommel horse. He currently trains at EVO Gymnastics and is a member of the U.S. Senior National Team.

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Article by: Gabe Sanchez

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