Dancing with the StarsAnnounces Olympic Medalist Stephen Nedoroscik as Season 33's First Celebrity Contestant

Mar. 15, 2025

Stephen Nedoroscik at the 2024 Paris Olympics.Photo:John Cheng

John Cheng

Get ready to giddy up for season 33 ofDancing with the Stars!

On Thursday, Aug. 22, ABC announced that Olympic bronze medalistStephen Nedoroscikwould be the first celebrity contestant in the running for the mirrorball trophy onGood Morning America.

After teasing Nedoroscik as a two-time Olympic bronze medalist and the first male gymnast to compete on the show, the camera then panned to the 25-year-old as he showed off some of his pommel horse routine on the studio floor.

Asked if he’s going to bring any of his pommel horse moves to theDWTSdance floor, Nedoroscik told hostRobin Roberts, “I’m hoping to bring some of them. I want to bring some flares, I want to bring some of that gymnastics. Maybe a back flip or hand stand. I want to have fun with it.”

The sports star added, “I’m very excited,” before revealing the opportunity was one he said “yes” to straight away.

Nedoroscik, also fondly known on the internet as the “pommel horse guy,” helped propel Team USA to win bronze at the men’s gymnastics team final at theParis Olympics—their first medal in 16 years. Despite his seemingly smaller role, his high score ultimately clenched the team’s bronze win on July 29.

The team includedPaul Juda,Fred Richard, Brody Malone and Asher Hong. However, Nedoroscik was the only member to qualify for a individual final — pommel horse — and alsoscored himself an individual bronze medalin the event on Aug. 3.

Stephen Nedoroscik at the 2024 Paris Olympics.Daniela Porcelli/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty

Daniela Porcelli/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty

“It was just the greatest moment of my life, I think,” the athlete told reporters, including PEOPLE, after nailing his routine in the team final. “[I’m] so happy to have been there.”

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Stephen Nedoroscik.Kristy Sparow/Getty

Kristy Sparow/Getty

In addition to being an Olympian, Nedoroscik quickly became an internet sensation thanks to his thick glasses, which social media userslikened to Clark Kent. Though he was previously referred to as the “goggles guy” for the sports glasses he wore while he competed, Nedoroscik went sans glasses during his performance, explaining that he doesn’t need his eyes to see the pommel horse.

“I don’t think I actually use my eyes on pommel horse,” he toldThe Washington Post. “It’s all feeling. I see with my hands.”

As for whether or not he’s going to wear his glasses during hisDWTSperformances, Nedoroscik said, “Yeah, I might have fun with it. 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.”

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Nedoroscik is also an advocate for individuals with low vision. The athlete has strabismus (meaning he is cross-eyed) and coloboma, which happens when part of the eye tissue is missing. While in Paris, Nedoroscik went viral for a special moment he had with a young boy with the same diagnosis.

Julianne HoughandAlfonso Ribeiroare returning to host season 33.Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli andDerek Houghare also returning as the judges.

Season 33 ofDancing with the Starswill premiere Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with the episode available stream the next day on Hulu.

source: people.com