Stephen Nedoroscik, a 25-year-old gymnast with glasses and a passion for solving Rubik's cubes, has become a viral meme, earning the nickname "Clark Kent of gymnastics."
The internet is buzzing about Nedoroscik, who has been dubbed "Beast mode activated" on social media platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok. Users are captivated by this bespectacled athlete, who calmly meditated before securing the bronze medal for the U.S. men’s gymnastics team on July 29.
One viral photo shows Nedoroscik sitting on the sidelines, glasses on and eyes closed, appearing perfectly calm. "Clark Kent while sitting on the sidelines — Superman on the pommel horse," commented one user. Another added, "Nerves of steel!"
NBC Olympics highlighted his critical role, stating on TikTok, "Stephen Nedoroscik had to score big on pommel horse for Team USA in the last rotation. AND HE DID." His stellar performance on July 29 earned him a score of 14.866, significantly boosting Team USA’s overall score to 257.793 and securing the bronze.
@nbcolympics MOMENT = MET Pommel horse specialist Stephen Nedoroscik is doing WORK. 📺 #ParisOlympics ♬ original sound - NBC Olympics & Paralympics
Nedoroscik’s inclusion on the team was somewhat controversial, as he specializes solely in the pommel horse, unlike most gymnasts who compete in multiple events. His standout performance, however, ended a 16-year medal drought for the U.S. men's gymnastics team, who last won in 2008.
Stephen Nedoroscik getting in the zone. #ParisOlympics
📺: NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/z78zfFRzdU— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 29, 2024
The viral image of Nedoroscik "getting in the zone" has been labeled iconic, with one user calling him "the new Superman." Another fan expressed admiration for Nedoroscik's dedication, noting he was Team USA’s best hope for an Olympic gold on the pommel horse.
Author John Green added to the praise, highlighting Nedoroscik's nerd credentials by mentioning his impressive Rubik’s cube-solving skills, even while in Paris for the Olympics.
In an interview with NBC News, Nedoroscik shared his thoughts on the pressure he faced. "I didn’t know what we needed, but I knew I needed to do a good job," he said. "I was feeling the nerves, but right before I went, these guys told me, ‘We trust you. We got your back.’ And when they said that, it all kind of went away."