Still reveling in the euphoria of becoming an official Olympic medalist, gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik had a heartwarming encounter with a young fan who shares his eye condition.
The moment, which had been years in the making, came to fruition for Team USA’s men’s gymnastics squad on July 29, 2024, when they clinched their first Olympic medal in 16 years at the Paris Summer Olympics. Among the standout performances was that of Nedoroscik, known for his exceptional skills on the pommel horse. His distinctive glasses, which led social media to liken him to Clark Kent, are actually due to his eye condition—a condition that would eventually bring him closer to a young admirer in Paris.
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In an Instagram post shared by USA Gymnastics, the 25-year-old bronze medalist was featured in a touching moment where he met a young fan with the same eye condition as his own. The post highlighted how Nedoroscik took time to connect with the boy and presented him with Olympic pins.
Nedoroscik, who has both strabismus—commonly known as being cross-eyed—and coloboma, a condition where part of the eye tissue is missing, has previously discussed his eye condition on social media. In August 2022, he posted a TikTok video asking his followers to tag eye doctors in hopes of finding potential treatments for his strabismus.
Despite his condition, Nedoroscik has quickly become a beloved figure in the gymnastics community. His performance contributed significantly to Team USA’s success, securing a bronze medal in the men’s gymnastics final. While the team consisted of five members—Paul Juda, Fred Richard, Brody Malone, and Asher Hong—Nedoroscik was the only gymnast to qualify for a single event: the pommel horse. His teammates competed across the other five events.
“It was just the greatest moment of my life, I think,” Nedoroscik told reporters, including PEOPLE, following his impressive routine. “I’m so happy to have been there.”
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@gymnaststeve I literally cannot find anything on the subject!! Tag some doctors in the comments #eyeproblems #Strabismus #coloboma
Despite his previous nickname of the “goggles guy” due to the sports glasses he wore, Nedoroscik chose to go without them during his performance. He explained that he relies on his tactile senses rather than vision when performing on the pommel horse. “I don’t think I actually use my eyes on the pommel horse,” he told The Washington Post. “It’s all feeling. I see with my hands.”
Nedoroscik’s journey to Olympic success has captured the hearts of many, including those who have admired his ability to overcome challenges and achieve excellence in his sport. His next challenge will be competing again in the pommel horse finals, scheduled for Saturday, August 3, 2024.
Background on Stephen Nedoroscik
Stephen Nedoroscik, a 25-year-old gymnast from the United States, has garnered attention both for his impressive athletic skills and his inspiring personal story. Nedoroscik is known for his specialization in the pommel horse, an apparatus that requires exceptional strength, balance, and coordination. Despite his eye condition, which includes strabismus and coloboma, Nedoroscik has risen to prominence in the gymnastics world through dedication and perseverance.
His journey has not only been marked by athletic success but also by his openness about his condition. By sharing his experiences, Nedoroscik has become a role model for others facing similar challenges. His recent achievements at the Paris Olympics, including a bronze medal for Team USA, underscore his resilience and commitment to his sport. As he continues to compete, Nedoroscik remains a symbol of triumph over adversity, inspiring both fans and fellow athletes alike.
