Where were you when Stephen Nedoroscik debuted on the world’s grandest stage? Dubbed ‘Gymnastics Clark Kent’, it didn’t take too long for the 26-year-old to climb the popularity charts. His ticket to fame? His Pommel Horse skills, of course! But it was also his routine before stepping onto the mat. When the camera panned to the gymnast, the world couldn’t help but fall in love. In fact, his score of 14.866 played a massive part in giving Team USA its first Olympic hardware in 16 years!

However, that’s not it. He was also one of the only members of Team USA to make it to an individual final. Known as the Pommel Horse guy, many hoped he would bag some hardware in the event. And that’s exactly what he did. With a 15.30 on the apparatus, the gymnast draped the American flag around his shoulders before he stepped onto the podium. The internet sensation had made quite an impression with his debut stint, but will he return for LA 2028?

Stephen Nedoroscik lets fans in on plans for gymnastics future

After returning to the States, the Olympian decided to swap the mat with the dance floor. Even though he isn’t too confident about his dancing skills, he’s slowly gotten the hang of it with his dance partner, Rylee Arnold. Yet, fans often wonder if LA 2028 is on Stephen Nedoroscik’s mind. According to an update by Inside Gymnastics Magazine, he looks forward to competing on his home turf. After his stint on Dancing With the Stars, the Olympian will continue training for the upcoming Games. How exciting is that?

However, this isn’t the first time the gymnast has hinted at the prospect of competing in Los Angeles. Shortly after the dust settled on his victory in Paris, he stated how happy he was to have the opportunity to bag an individual and a team bronze medal in his very first berth. The experience was so much more than he expected, and the gymnast couldn’t have been more grateful for all the support he received. However, his parting sentence grabbed a few eyeballs. “Bronze is a great achievement, but I got my eyes for something shinier in my future #2028,” he confessed.

In fact, his message on Instagram held the same sentiment. Stephen Nedoroscik admitted that Team USA wanted to put USA men’s gymnastics back on the map. We reckon bagging the first team medal in 16 years helps that cause, doesn’t it? The Olympian thinks so as well! However, he did have a goal of his own. He wanted to be the best for his team and got to compete in the individual finals. With a successful stint in Paris, the gymnast hinted at his next goal. But why was it so essential for him to put men’s gymnastics on the map?

The sport means everything to the 26-year-old

It was ‘Dedication Night’ on October 15 on DWTS, but it was also a very special night for gymnastics fans. They hadn’t watched the Olympian perform his iconic Pommel Horse routine since his time in Paris. However, he kicked off the Argentine Tango on the apparatus before his partner, Rylee Arnold, joined him on the floor. This was one of their best performances until then, scoring 33 points. But why did he dedicate it to the sport?

Stephen Nedoroscik reiterated that the sport had been slowly dying for the last couple of decades. With his tribute, he wanted to bring attention to this situation and help the sport thrive. Gymnastics had been a part of his life since he was four and a half, and it helped make him the man that he is today. He has picked up have helped him learn several life lessons, which he continues to follow. The gymnast’s goal was to help more kids have the same experience as he did.

However, that was in vain since several universities had been cutting ties with men’s gymnastics. Ohio State University came very close by wiping out the athletic scholarships in October. Yet, this wasn’t surprising since data from the NCAA looked grim as ever. How come? Over the years, participation in men’s gymnastics has significantly dropped.

In 1981, there were about 59 Division-I men’s programs. However, that number dropped by 79.6% with 21 programs in 2024. Stephen Nedoroscik reiterated this has been happening for years. But the gymnast found a family during his time at Penn State, and it helped catapult him into the Olympics. While the 26-year-old is tirelessly working towards bringing more awareness to the sport, it would be interesting to see him on the mat.