Viral Sensation Stephen Nedoroscik Strikes Olympic Gold Again

WASHINGTON — Stephen Nedoroscik, Team USA’s pommel horse specialist, added a bronze medal to his accolades in Saturday’s event finals.

Competing under the roof of the Bercy Arena, Nedoroscik impressed the judges and spectators alike with a fluid and daring routine, earning a spot on the podium behind Ireland’s Rhys McClenaghan and Kazakhstan’s Nariman Kurbanov.

Sporting an American flag in a cape-like fashion, Nedoroscik’s celebration spurred superhero comparisons online.

Earlier this week, Nedoroscik played a crucial role in securing a bronze medal for the U.S. men’s team, their first Olympic medal in 16 years. He was also the only American gymnast to qualify for an apparatus final, highlighting his individual prowess on the pommel horse—a traditional weak spot for the U.S. men’s program.

The routine earned Nedoroscik 15.300 points, solidifying his bronze medal finish. Notably, the competition included McClenaghan, who secured Ireland’s first Olympic gymnastics medal.

Known for his “sport goggles,” Nedoroscik opted to perform without them during this event. The goggles, which he usually wears for comfort and superstitious reasons rather than vision improvement, did not make their anticipated Olympic debut.

In 2021, Nedoroscik made history as the first U.S. gymnast to win a world championship gold medal on the pommel horse, establishing himself as a contender on the world stage.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.