Stephen Nedoroscik will look back at 2024 as the year he fell just short of achieving greatness. Twice! While the pommel horse specialist and his national teammates secured a medal at the Paris Olympics, it wasn’t a gold. And then, after two months of scintillating journey at the 33rd Dancing With The Stars, Nedoroscik was still unable to make the podium. But his stint has impressed fans nonetheless, and some veteran figures of the industry too!

The Olympian and his dancing partner Rylee Arnold were one of the strongest contenders to win the popular dancing contest this year. Their final freestyle routine also promoted the judges to award the duo a full score. However, others proved to be even better, and Nedoroscik and Arnold were placed fourth. And yet, it seems like Nedoroscik’s electric personality had already spread its magic.

Stephen Nedoroscik’s latest adventure gets another nod

In his recent Instagram story from November 29, the Penn State grad shared admiring words by one of this year’s DWTS judges, Derek Hough. Hough himself is a four-time Dancing With The Stars winner and has served as a judge for the show on multiple occasions. But even the seasoned dancer couldn’t escape Nedoroscik’s charm. “From day one, you lit up the ballroom with your infectious joy and charm,” wrote Hough in his original IG story. While most of Stephen’s teammates went on to hit the road right after the Olympics for the second edition of the Gold Over America Tour, his decision to explore dancing raised a lot of eyebrows. However, to Derek, the decision looked perfect.

“Watching you grow every week has been an absolute pleasure,” Hough confessed. He went on to recall how Nedoroscik and Arnold’s performance at the season finale was a true spectacle: “Your freestyle in the finale was unforgettable and truly captured mine and America’s heart.” He ended his message by reiterating once again how Nedoroscik made this season of DWTS one to remember by “lighting up the floor” with his joyous persona. Understandably, the gymnast was overwhelmed.

“Thank you for keeping me motivated,” Stephen replied to Hough’s message, expressing his glee. However, it wasn’t only Derek who became a fan of the Olympic medalist after weeks of watching him blossom into his dancing role.

Making fans along the way

Stephen Nedoroscik’s moves had impressed Arnold from almost the beginning. Making use of his gymnastics skills, Nedoroscik never seemed uncomfortable on the dance floor, even though he was somewhat taken aback by how little space he had on the DWTS stage to show his groovy moves. “My first initial reaction when I walked into the actual studio, I literally went to Rylee; I said, ‘this is much smaller than I was expecting it to be’,” he expressed his astonishment. But that couldn’t hold him back from dishing out titillating performances week after week.

Even Rylee was amazed to watch Nedoroscik keep up with her at every step. Moreover, she even believed that his decision to explore dancing instead of touring the country with Brody Malone, Simone Biles, and others also helped to bring more attention to men’s gymnastics in general. “It is so amazing that Stephen is representing the male gymnasts,” Arnold acknowledged. And yet, Nedoroscik himself often struggled to meet the high demands of the dancing show. “My body hurts so much,” joked Stephen in a social media update in October.

Nevertheless, watching Nedoroscik and Arnold over the past two months has been incredible for every DWTS fan. Were you satisfied with their final result? Or did you want to see them do better? Tell us in the comment section!