The world fell in love with Stephen Nedoroscik during the 2024 Paris Games. The Pommel Horse specialist blew everyone away after clinching two Olympic bronze medals. Yet, his antics off the mat catapulted him into the spotlight. However, after returning from the French capital, Gymnastic‘s Clark Kent had a special treat for fans. The 26-year-old announced he had shifted his focus to the Mirrorball by competing on the ballroom floor. 

But is the Olympic star a dancer? His performances on the show definitely confirm that suspicion. Throughout the weeks, the 26-year-old has been climbing up through the ranks. He even received his first 10 during the show’s Halloween Night. In fact, for the 500th episode, Team Arnold Pommel had something exciting planned for the 500th episode on November 12. But before we get into that, why did the gymnast switch the mat for the dance floor?

Stephen Nedoroscik opens up on his DWTS experience so far

Whenever the 26-year-old set foot on the mat in Bercy Arena, he looked as confident as ever. He made his routine look so effortless it almost felt like he could’ve done this in his sleep. However, the same couldn’t be said about the dance floor. On November 15, Stephen Nedoroscik appeared on an episode of the Shawn & Andrew Podcasts. When the 4x Olympic medalist asked the gymnast what his time on the show had been like, he didn’t hold back. 

“Getting onto the show itself, I was so nervous cuz I literally have never danced, like not even like with my friends at a club or anything. I just don’t do it,” he confessed. Stephen Nedoroscik previously admitted that he is “a very cowardly and scared dancer” on the Mythical Kitchen show with Josh Scherer. In fact, this insecurity usually has him standing in the corner at clubs. The Olympian always knows what to do on the mat, so this confession was definitely surprising.  

So, when he was invited to be a part of DWTS, the 26-year-old’s friends were just as shocked. They kept poking fun at him, telling the Olympian how they had never seen him dance. Yet, he wanted to prove his mettle on the ballroom floor. Why is that, you ask? “I was like, ‘You’re right, I can’t.’ So, at least I’ll be able to be the person that…like, you know, other people can look at that have never danced and be like, ‘Okay, let’s see how this goes,'” he exclaimed. Quite admirable. So, how has the 26-year-old fared on the show till now?

The Olympian smashed it out the park in the 500th episode

Even though the gymnast calls himself a non-dancer, his performances have proved otherwise. After blowing everyone’s socks off in the Halloween Night episode, Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold were excited for the 500th episode because of a unique twist! ABC’s press release announced that the next episode would have two rounds. The first would be a choreographed number. However, each couple would pay tribute to past dances from the previous 32 seasons.

But they would also participate in a second round dubbed the ‘Instant Dance Challenge.’ What is that, you ask? The couple would be given a song 5 minutes before they perform. While the duo seemed confident about their chances, the fans didn’t know how to feel. Team Arnold Pommel performed a Viennese waltz to Joji’s Glimpse of Us for the 500th episode. Season 31’s winners, Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas, had danced to the same song, and the latter even helped the gymnast prepare for the routine. 

Their incredible performance received not one but TWO 10s from the judges, giving them a total of 29 out of 30. But they still had to battle it out in the second round. For the Instant Dance Challenge, Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold had to perform a jive to Olivia Rodrigo’s Love is Embarrassing. So, how did they do? The duo scored 25, bringing their total to 54 out of 60. 

With this, they placed third on the table. The gymnast was safe from elimination, and Dwight Howard had to bid adieu to the competition. The duo are now one of the five teams left in the competition and moving forward to the final two episodes of this season. The Olympian might have been nervous stepping into the competition. However, throughout Season 33, he has effortlessly showcased his determination and newly acquired dance skills. So, do you think Team Arnold Pommel could claim the Mirroball?