Stephen Nedoroscik is not only an Olympic medalist, but he's a meme now, too.
Following the team final on July 29 where the U.S. men won an historic bronze medal, the memes started making the rounds on social media.
It started when NBC Olympics posted a photo of Nedoroscik sitting on the sidelines with his eyes shut — specs on of course — getting "in the zone" for his moment to shine on his one and only event, the pommel horse.
Fans quickly equated Nedoroscik to Superman's alter ego Clark Kent for seemingly transforming himself from the quirky guy with glasses to a pommel horse hero who clinched Team USA's first Olympic medal in 16 years. The words "pommel horse guy" were even trending on X.
NBC Olympics asked Nedoroscik his thoughts on becoming an overnight internet sensation, but he was quick to spread the love to his teammates.
"I think it's cool," Nedoroscik said. "I'm honored that they chose me, but I think any one of these guys could also be blowing up. In fact, I hope they do discover these guys because they're all just great men."
Get to know Stephen Nedoroscik
Who is Stephen Nedoroscik, the pommel horse guy for Team USA gymnastics?
Stephen Nedoroscik is a pommel horse event specialist for the United States gymnastics team. In 2021, he became the first American gymnast to win a world medal on the pommel horse. He is also a four-time national champion and a two-time NCAA champion.
Why does Stephen Nedoroscik only do the pommel horse?
At one point in time Stephen Nedoroscik competed on all six events. However, when he was in high school, he noticed he was progressing on pommel horse more than the other events and made the decision to specialize in the event.
Does Stephen Nedoroscik have a girlfriend?
Stephen Nedoroscik is dating former Penn State gymnast Tess McCracken.
How old is Stephen Nedoroscik?
Stephen Nedoroscik is 25 years old.
Where did Stephen Nedoroscik go to college?
Stephen Nedoroscik competed collegiately at Penn State University and graduated in 2020.
What eye condition does Stephen Nedoroscik have?
Stephen Nedoroscik has strabismus, a condition that affects the eye muscles, causing them to not line up properly and point in different directions. Nedoroscik also has coloboma, a genetic condition where some of the tissue that makes up the eye is missing at birth. The condition makes Nedoroscik sensitive to light and can cause vision problems.
So how is Nedoroscik able to compete without his glasses?
“I can see, but I don't necessarily use my eyes to guide my hands," Nedoroscik said. "I don't even really even know what I'm focusing on (with my eyes) as I'm going through (my routine). I'm literally seeing with my hands and feeling how my momentum is shifting around.”
What was Stephen Nedoroscik's college major?
Stephen Nedoroscik studied electrical engineering in college.
When was the last time USA men's gymnastics won a medal?
The United States men's gymnastics team last won an Olympic team medal (bronze) in 2008. Prior to that, the team won a silver in 2004 and gold in 1984.