In a recent chat on the Lightweights Podcast with Joe Vulpis, Stephen Nedoroscik got real about a challenge he faces as a top gymnast: asthma. When Joe asked how he manages it as an elite athlete, Stephen opened up, saying, “Yeah, typically with asthma it, it’s one of those diseases that you can sort of exercise but it will always be present.” It’s a tough reality, but he explained how his dedication to gymnastics has helped keep his symptoms in check.

But here’s a twist—he humorously added, “But now I own a cat that I’m allergic to. Perfect.” Stephen went on to talk about his daily routine, explaining, “Every day I do have to use my inhaler. I try not to, but that is a problem that I deal with day-to-day life.” It’s a reminder that even the best athletes deal with their own battles.

He also mentioned how his return to dance after a month off from gymnastics training impacted his asthma. “And one thing I noticed with dance after taking a month off of the endurance training of gymnastics is that dance is something that it takes. It does affect my asthma.” As their conversation continued, Joe asked if he ever needed to use his inhaler during dance rehearsals. Stephen replied, “I’ve had to use my inhaler in rehearsals before, but you know, asthma is something that does hold you back. But at the same time, like you cannot let it hold you back.”

Stephen’s attitude is inspiring; he encourages everyone to push their limits while being mindful of their health. “Try to sort of expand your horizons with the disease,” he advised, proving that with the right mindset, you can overcome obstacles and shine brightly. But asthma isn’t the only hurdle Stephen faces; there’s another medical challenge he contends with, whether he’s nailing his routines at the Olympics or showing off his moves on Dancing with the Stars.

Stephen Nedoroscik faces another medical condition

Stephen Nedoroscik’s Olympic fame has earned him the playful title “Clark Kent of gymnastics,” and it’s easy to see why. Not only does he have the classic charm and look of the iconic DC character, but his Superman-like skills on the Pommel Horse make him stand out. However, those glasses aren’t just for style—they’re essential for his vision. Stephen deals with strabismus, causing double vision, and coloboma, making him sensitive to bright lights.

His glasses help manage these conditions, but he’s also known for removing them dramatically before routines—otherwise, they’d likely fly off! Stephen’s mom, Cheryl, shared on the ‘Got It From My Mom’ podcast how his sensitivity made it tough to drive, but this challenge became a blessing in disguise. With his parents chauffeuring him, he could focus entirely on gymnastics, training extensively.

When podcast host Jennifer Vickery Smith asked Cheryl if Stephen’s teenage years were challenging, she laughed it off saying, “No, he’s—are you kidding? He had us to drive him around. No, he didn’t. So when you’re in gymnastics, your life isn’t exactly like a normal high school person because you’re at the gym five days a week, and Saturday morning you don’t have a lot of time off.” Those sacrifices indeed paid off, leading him to Olympic glory. Now in 2024, the “Clark Kent of gymnastics” isn’t just shining in his sport; he’s becoming a rising star in entertainment, showing that his vision challenges won’t hold him back!