Team USA’s Pommel Horse Stephen Nedoroscik Reveals Hilarious Reaction to ‘Superman’ Comparison

“It is awesome,” Stephen Nedoroscik tells ET about the online fame he’s been getting. The 25-year-old gymnast has become a viral sensation thanks to his stunning performances and a memorable resemblance to Clark Kent. Nedoroscik helped Team USA win their first bronze medal in men’s gymnastics in 16 years.

During the Summer Olympics, his pommel horse routine

caught the audience’s eye. Fans have dubbed him the “Clark Kent of gymnastics,” especially when he removes his glasses before performing. Show hosts Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie highlighted the comparison, praising his performance and making waves on the internet with the “Superman” comparison.

Gymnast embraces the Clark Kent comparisons with humor and charm

On July 30, 2024, Stephen Nedoroscik’s quick-witted response during an ET Online interview went viral. When asked about the Clark Kent comparisons, he replied, “I didn’t have my phone for a couple hours after the competition and I was like, ‘Ah, it’s gonna be so fun to see all my friends that have messaged me.’ [When] I looked at it, I was like, ‘What is going on?'”. He further added with a laugh, “You know, representing the people that wear glasses well.” However, during the recent match, he did not wear glasses, pointing out that if he wears glasses while riding Pommel’s horse, the chances are high that they will fly somewhere. Stephen further stressed that he does not need to see when he is doing gymnastics since all power lies in his hands. 

However, even after staying at the high-pressure point, he did not disappoint his team and fans, as he finished off with an impressive 15.200 in the apparatus. Nedoroscik led his team towards the medal with a total of 257.793 points. Hence, he will further feature on August 3rd in the finals of the Paris Olympics, becoming the only male gymnast in the Paris Olympics to qualify for the individual apparatus. Even though he told USA Today it was “a little complicated,” Stephen Nedoroscik remained focused and prepared for the Paris Olympics. Nedoroscik shared, “Getting that team medal last night, I barely slept and woke up still excited. This whole day has felt surreal. I’m just soaking it all in. It’s an unbelievable experience.” 

As a specialist who competes only on the pommel horse, Nedoroscik watched his teammates—Asher Hong, Paul Juda, Brody Malone, and Frederick Richard—compete on rings, vault, parallel bars, horizontal bars, and floor exercise during the team finals. His event came last in Team USA’s rotation, so he had to wait and watch before his turn. He practiced extensively to perfect his performance. “So when I got that, then it turned into the family coming over and I’d go show them some stuff on that,” Nedoroscik said. 

The Pommel horse guy even appreciated how her girlfriend, Tess McCracken, has been his constant support throughout his journey. His girlfriend supported her man from the sidelines, balanced her role as a former gymnast, and continued to suit up for him. Hence, he appreciated her lady while celebrating his spot in the Paris Olympics: “I couldn’t have done it without you. I love you.” He added that she had been his no. 1 cheerleader for the last 8 years, and he considered her the “absolute best.” In fact, she even responded to the meme spreading around about Nedoroscik looking like “Superman.” As his reputation grew, Stephen Nedoroscik quickly earned the nickname “Mr. Pommel Horse.” In a fun nod to his success, his girlfriend updated her X profile to “Ms. Pommel Horse.” However, this true, hardworking gymnast now aims for upcoming events to showcase his skills.

Stephen Nedoroscik sets his eyes on gold in the gymnastics milestone

Stephen Nedoroscik lives with strabismus, or crossed eyes, which can lead to double vision. In a 2022 TikTok post, he showed how this condition allows him to alternate which eye becomes dominant. After a standout performance at the Paris Olympics, Stephen Nedoroscik is already focused on his next goals in gymnastics. With his impressive pommel horse routines and a bronze medal, Nedoroscik is setting his sights on new milestones. “This whole day has just been surreal. I am just soaking it all in. It is just an unbelievable experience,” Stephen Nedoroscik said after getting the medal at the Paris Olympics. 

His score of 14.866 was the second-highest pommel horse tally of the contest, setting a strong precedent for his upcoming individual event. The final, scheduled for Saturday, August 3, will see him aim to build on this impressive performance and secure a top position. He is a top contender for the gold. In qualifying, he scored 15.200, tying with Ireland’s Rhys McClenaghan for second place. His U.S. men’s team spot was sometimes uncertain because he only competed in the pommel horse. 

Without him, the United States might not have won the bronze. Now, he can earn a second medal—potentially gold—and solidify his status as an American pommel horse legend. Nedoroscik’s Olympic journey isn’t finished yet. He will compete in the pommel horse event finals on Saturday, August 3. When asked about his chances of medaling, he said, “Fingers crossed. I have a good feeling about how this week has gone.” Here’s hoping for a great performance—best of luck!