It was his time to shine and shine he did.
Stephen Nedoroscik, 25, dubbed “pommel horse guy” on social media, delivered a medal-winning routine at the Paris Olympics.
Nedoroscik’s was the last routine of the last rotation in the men’s gymnastics final and he rose to the challenge, his score of 14.866 powering the U.S. to a bronze medal, the first medal in 16 years, and Nedoroscik to social media stardom, with memes abound.
“It was just the greatest moment of my life, I think,” he told reporters.
Pommel horse is Nedoroscik’s specialty and he, along with Team USA teammates Brody Malone and Shane Wiskus, hone their skills at EVO Gymnastics in Sarasota, Florida.
Here’s what to know about Nedoroscik and EVO Gymnastics:
US pommel horse specialist
Nedoroscik is a pommel horse specialist and it’s the only event he competes in.
Aside from Olympic bronze, he’s won two NCAA titles, four national championships and the 2021 world championship on the apparatus.
EVO Gymnastics Sarasota
Nedoroscik is one of three Team USA gymnasts who train together at Evo Gymnastics in Sarasota.
Brody Malone, who overcame a severe March 2023 injury that required several surgeries, is one of them. He’s the only returning Olympian on the U.S. team. Team USA alternate Shane Wiskus, who competed at the Tokyo Olympics, also trains at EVO.
Sarasota resident and U.S. Olympic Team coach Sam Mikulak has worked with gymnasts at EVO for two years.
EVO’s MAG Foundation USA funds the gymnasts and its goal is to “help USA return to the podium in Paris 2024 and to the top of the podium in LA 2028.”
EVO Gymnastics is located at 7188 15th St E in Sarasota, Florida.
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Stephen Nedoroscik memes
Social media reacted to Nedoroscik’s quiet preparation and a photo showing him seated with his eyes closed prior to competing quickly went viral.
Pommel Horse Guy is about to do the biggest Pommel Horse of his life and appears to be taking a peaceful nap. New #1 favorite Olympic athlete. pic.twitter.com/yqGgqjTc2O
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) July 29, 2024
Pommel Horse Guy seems like he’s the kicker of the US men’s gymnastics team who just made a clutch FG from 60 yards out. https://t.co/npAPKDjax5
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) July 29, 2024
Stephen Nedoroscik studied engineering in college
Nedoroscik, a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, graduated from Penn State with an electrical engineering degree.
His favorite subject in school was math, according to his EVO profile.
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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Stephen Nedoroscik: Olympic medalist trains at EVO Gymnastics in FL
