“If you put this dismount up, you’ll make the Olympic team,” was the thought racing through Stephen Nedoroscik’s head as his pommel horse routine neared its end at the finals of the U.S. Olympic team trials. Shortly after this thought, the 25-year-old gymnast nailed the dismount and landing. Four years after failing to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, he had made it.

In four years, Stephen Nedoroscik improved by leaps and bounds. These improvements culminated in the gymnast feeling confident about his chances going into Day 2 with a 14.450 (the leading score) on the pommel horse. The Team USA member didn’t even have to look at the scoreboard to know he had made it. Instead, he scanned the stands for his parents, John and Cheryl Nedoroscik, and girlfriend Tess McCracken.

Stephen Nedoroscik’s “cheerleaders” seemed just as elated as the Olympian. However, as the celebrations died down, the 25-year-old couldn’t help but look back to the moment that sparked a change in how he approached his passion. “It definitely served as some motivation,” Nedoroscik told the Worcester Telegram & Gazette during an exclusive interview.

The Pan American Games team gold medalist explained he is far more relaxed during competitions. “I’ve tried to have a very different mindset going into competitions nowadays. I take a lot of pressure off myself where back then I was putting so much pressure on myself,” explained Stephen Nedoroscik. “I looked back to last time and I think I’ve learned well from it,” he added.

Stephen Nedoroscik made a victorious return at the 2021 Kitakyushu World Championships with a gold medal and has constantly improved. Although he only competed on the pommel horse at the Olympic trials, scoring 29.3 was enough for qualification. The pommel horse specialist has high hopes for Team USA.

Stephen Nedoroscik has supreme confidence in his teammates

The 25-year-old gymnast joined Fred Richard, Brody Malone, Paul Juda, and Asher Hong as the five representatives of USA men’s gymnastics for Paris. Nedoroscik spoke highly of his teammates during the phone interview with the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. The two-time NCAA gold medalist showed confidence in the team’s talent.

“This could be the Olympic games we medal in again,” said the Team USA member. Besides Stephen Nedoroscik, his fellow Massachusetts gymnast Fred Richard also made his mark in the trials. Richard left Brody Malone, Paul Juda, and Asher Hong behind to win the all-around. Richard also took the top spot at the qualifiers, scoring 170.500, ahead of Malone’s 170.300.

Four years ago, Stephen Nedoroscik battled heartbreak. However, instead of letting it bog him down, the gymnast came back stronger, with a fresh approach. In Paris, the 25-year-old will attempt to take the next step and earn an Olympic medal.