Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik Joins 'Dancing With The Stars'
Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik is trading his pommel horse for the ballroom as he joins the cast of "Dancing With The Stars" for its upcoming 33rd season. The announcement, made on August 22 during ABC's "Good Morning America," marks Nedoroscik as the first confirmed contestant for the season. At just 25 years old, Nedoroscik has already become a breakout star in the world of gymnastics, earning two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His performances not only contributed to the U.S. Men's Gymnastics Team securing their first Olympic medal in 16 years but also made him a viral sensation due to his distinctive pre-competition rituals.
Nedoroscik's rise to fame was bolstered by his now-iconic preparation routine, where he would appear to be sleeping before a competition—later revealed to be a visualization technique. Additionally, his on-the-floor persona, complete with a dramatic removal of his glasses akin to Clark Kent transforming into Superman, has only added to his appeal. These quirky traits have endeared him to fans, who have affectionately dubbed him "Pommel Horse Guy" across social media platforms.
As he steps into the world of competitive dance, Nedoroscik expressed both excitement and a bit of apprehension, particularly about his signature glasses potentially flying off mid-dance. However, he hinted at embracing the show's costume themes, possibly incorporating his eyewear into his dance ensembles. Although his professional dance partner has yet to be revealed, Nedoroscik's enthusiasm for bringing his athleticism—and perhaps a few gymnastics tricks—into the ballroom is clear.
"Dancing With The Stars" Season 33 promises to be a challenging one, with the judging panel—comprising Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—setting high expectations for the contestants. The show's traditional format will likely include themed nights such as Latin Night and Disney Night, providing ample opportunity for Nedoroscik to showcase his adaptability and flair.
Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, the new season will premiere on September 17, 2024, on ABC and Disney+. The rest of the celebrity cast, which could include a mix of athletes, actors, and social media influencers, is set to be announced on September 4 on "Good Morning America."
For Nedoroscik, this opportunity to compete on "Dancing With The Stars" not only represents a new challenge but also a chance to expand his fan base beyond the gymnastics community. With his combination of athletic prowess and a charismatic on-screen presence, Nedoroscik could be one to watch this season as he trades in his chalk for dance shoes.
