Stephen Nedoroscik turned heads at the Paris Olympics by bagging two bronze Olympic medals at the Bercy Arena. In fact, he played an instrumental role in clinching Team USA’s first bronze medals after 16 years. However, he shocked fans by announcing that he would soon switch from the gymnastics mat to the ballroom floor. The 26-year-old was one of the first stars to make the Season 33 Dancing With the Stars roster.

While the gymnast started his chase for the Mirrorball, just one thing momentarily held him back. The Olympian admitted that he wasn’t as confident as he came across on the pommel horse. On the contrary, he confessed that dancing was never his thing. He described himself as a “very cowardly and scared dancer.” However, he wanted to get on the show to prove that if he could get over his fears, then anyone could. As the music fades, the gymnast bids farewell to the ballroom and his journey.

Stephen Nedoroscik takes a well-deserved bow from the stage

The grand finale for Season 33 of Dancing With the Stars took place on November 26, and Team Arnold Pommel was one of the five finalists. Even though Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold earned a perfect score for their performance, they didn’t win the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Despite placing fourth, the gymnast had a lot to be thankful for in his journey and left his dance partner one final note.

The Olympian shared an image from their practice on his Instagram with a heartwarming caption for Arnold. “I’m a Pommel Horse specialist. I had never danced, performed with emotion, or had to be delicate. Rylee, I feel so lucky to have had you by my side. Your positivity, kindness, and determination made every second of this experience worthwhile,” he exclaimed. However, that wasn’t all he had to say.

Stephen Nedoroscik reflected on his journey on the show so far. He reiterated how, during the first rehearsals, the gymnast was timid. However, he had a full-circle moment by receiving a perfect score by the end of the show. The 26-year-old was grateful for everything Rylee Arnold taught him. He called her the best dance partner and an indispensable friend. But he isn’t the only one who appreciates their friendship.

For Arnold, meeting the Olympian was the best part of her season. She credits him for the positive outlook she adopted in her life. The professional stated that Nedoroscik changed her in numerous ways, and she deeply appreciated their time together. They might have ended their stellar stint on DWTS without a win, but they will continue to remain friends. This wholesome shoutout made their fans fall in love with their wholesome friendship all over again. What did they have to say?

DWTS fans can’t help but gush over team Arnold Pommel’s run

The finale was a celebration with stunning performances, celebrity reunions, and special appearances from reigning champions Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy. But fans couldn’t take their eyes off Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold every time they set foot on the ballroom floor. When the duo performed the Argentine Tango, the world fell in love with his heartwarming tribute to the US gymnastics team on October 15. 

One fan stated, “This post is everything. I love you guys—you are the epitome of what DWTS should be. What a journey, what a delight, and what a gift. So sad to see it end.” Watching the gymnast fresh off his dreamy Parisian stint felt like a breath of fresh air for many, like this fan. His competitor, Chandler Kinney, agreed, “Stephen!!!!! you ROCKED this season!! so grateful to call you a friend, and here’s to more :)) 🫶🏽” It’s safe to say, competitor or not, everyone loved to watch the Olympian’s journey on the show. 

Stephen Nedoroscik had a rocky start to the competition. But he slowly started making the climb up the ranks, earning his first perfect score with his moving gymnastics-inspired freestyle to Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida”. However, that wasn’t his only performance for the night. Team Arnold Pommel also did the redemption quickstep to “I’ll Be There for You” to end their incredible season with a bang. 

A fan confessed, “Yall are the only reason I watched this season! Congratulations!!!!” The gymnast’s inclusion in the show brought on numerous fans like this one. The Olympic Pommel Horse champion, Rhys McClenaghan, simply said, “Congratulations bro!” It’s safe to say that nobody wanted to see the Olympian lose, but it was a good stint nonetheless. 

The very reason many fell in love with Stephen Nedoroscik was due to his antics off the mat at the Bercy Arena. It only intensified when many realized that the Olympian couldn’t see much without his glasses. His genetic disorder makes it harder for him to have depth perception, and lights in his face can be super painful. But he pushed through and got to the season finale.

One fan opined, “Absolutely phenomenal!!! I loved this dance!!! Yours and Rylees freestyle will go down in history as one of if not the best freestyle dance ever performed in dwts!!!!” While Nedoroscik has come a long way since his early days on the show, his dedication to his sport made his dance so much more meaningful. Another fan agreed, “I watched this show for the first time ever this season just to see you on it! Loved every performance!!! Your freestyle in the finale was everything!! Loved this partnership!! Congrats to you both.” Achieving the perfect score during the finals is not an underwhelming feat, and fans couldn’t be happier for them. 

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold capitalized on the viewership the show brought to bring awareness to an important cause—the sport. Why’s that, you ask? The NCAA gymnastics programs have been on a decline lately. However, according to the 26-year-old, every Olympic team member used to be an NCAA gymnast. He believed that their win at Bercy Arena would change the narrative. But seeing that it hadn’t, he hoped that his performance on DWTS would help make a difference. What did you think of his DWTS stint?