Viral Gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik Will Compete on ‘Dancing With the Stars’: Revisit Olympic Contestants
The first celebrity competitor for the upcoming 33rd season of Dancing With the Stars has been announced, and it’s none other than endearing Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik. The gold medalist made a name for himself — “the pommel horse guy,” to be exact — at the 2024 Summer Olympics, when he helped bring his fellow Team USA men’s gymnastics teammates a bronze medal. While Nedoroscik will make history as the first male gymnast to take part in the long-running reality dance competition series, he’s far from the first Olympic gymnast to make their mark on the dance floor.
Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik is the 1st contestant announced for next season’s ‘Dancing With the Stars’
On August 22, ABC announced that 2024 Olympic star Nedoroscik would be competing for the coveted mirrorball trophy when he appeared on Good Morning America. The two-time bronze medalist showed off some of his pommel horse moves made famous at the Olympic Games, and donned his well-earned Olympic bronze medals in the process.
Host Robin Roberts asked the 25-year-old a question on the minds of many fans: will he be bringing any of his signature pommel moves to the ballroom?
"I'm hoping to bring some of them,” he said. “I want to bring some flares, I want to bring some of that gymnastics. Maybe a backflip or handstand. I want to have fun with it."
Nedoroscik also addressed the viral photos in which he appears to be asleep before his Olympics routine, clarifying that leaning his head back and closing his eyes is actually his way of relaxing, visualizing and slowing his heart beat to calm his nerves and prepare himself. In fact, he confirmed that the strategy is one he will likely bring with him as he competes.
His thick glasses are another reason Nedoroscik became an overnight sensation, with many likening him to Clark Kent. As it turns out, he might try to keep the glasses on while dancing if he can make it work.
“Yeah, I might have fun with it,” he revealed. “I'm scared they'll fly off is the thing, but maybe we could do a gadget to keep them or maybe a new pair of glasses to match the theme, right? That's what I'm thinking.”
Olympic gymnasts who have competed on ‘Dancing With the Stars’
Being the talented athletes they are, gymnasts tend to hold their own at the very least when they appear on DWTS. That is if they aren’t crowned champion. Let's look back at some of Nederoscik’s most notable predecessors.
1. Simone Biles
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, competed on the series during season 24. With her partner Sasha Farber, Biles placed fourth in the competition. During her final week, she received perfect scores across the board for both her Jive and Rumba style routines. That season was won by NFL player Rashad Jennings.
2. Shawn Johnson
In season 8, gold-medal Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson took home the mirrorball trophy when she won the season with partner Mark Ballas. She returned to the show to compete again in season 15, deemed an all-stars competition, and was paired with Derek Hough. This time, Johnson came in second place to Melissa Rycroft.
3. Laurie Hernandez
Gymnast Laurie Hernandez earned the winning title during season 23, during which she scored perfect 10s eight times. At 16 years old, the gold-medalist became the youngest winner in DWTS history.
4. Suni Lee
During season 30 of DWTS, six-time Olympic medalist Suni Lee performed with partner Sasha Farber. She made it to the semi-finals and placed fifth while NBA player Iman Shumpert won the season.
5. Nastia Liukin
Five-time Olympic medalist and 2008 all-around champion Nastia Liukin competed during season 20 of DWTS with partner Derek Hough. She danced her way to the semi-finals and ultimately came in fourth place. The same week she was sent home, Liukin earned the show’s highest scores. The season’s winner was Rumer Willis.
6. Mary Lou Retton
Five-time Olympic medalist Mary Lou Retton was the fifth star to be let go from season 28, when she danced with partner Sasha Farber. Hannah Brown reigned champion that season.
Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro are returning to host season 33 alongside judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough.
Season 33 of Dancing With the Stars will premiere Tuesday, September 17 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with the episode available to stream the next day on Hulu.
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