The Clark Kent of the Olympics is Saving Men's Gymnastics

Last week, the world witnessed a self-proclaimed engineering nerd from Worcester, MA, toss off his cape and nail his pommel horse routine in front of millions of viewers. Stephen Nedoroscik's only job at the Olympics was to help Team USA on the pommel horse as a specialist, a historically weak event for the US team.

While most of the men's team have massive biceps and a buff physique, Stephen, who looks unassuming and arguably frail and subdued, sat for the entire men's team competition and competed last on pommel only to obliterate the horse and clench the bronze medal for Team USA—the first team medal for the men's team since 2008.

His massive score sent the internet ablaze! As Stephen flew through his routine with little in the way of form or rhythm breaks, his teammates exploded with excitement when he landed, and the crowd went wild.

Stephen says, "When I go up on the pommel horse, it's all about feeling the equipment. I don't even really see when I'm doing my gymnastics. It's all in the hands—I can feel everything."

Immediately, social platforms couldn't get enough of Stephen and his sensational routine, highlighted by his goggles and modest demeanor, resembling Superman's Clark Kent. One person said, "Ever since Stephen Nedoroscik took off his glasses and calmly yet confidently approached the pommel horse at the Paris Olympics on Monday, the country hasn't been able to get enough of him."

Stephen quickly turned the conversation towards men's gymnastics, "a dying sport." Since Title IX requires equal funding in men's and women's collegiate sports, men's gymnastics was the first to be cut amongst colleges nationwide, making it more difficult to pursue gymnastics in college.

Since COVID and the need for more funding, male gymnasts generally have to compete in private clubs, lessening the pool of eligible athletes that could make the US National teams.

This, plus a lack of media attention and marketing funds, keeps men's gymnastics out of the public eye, unlike countries such as Japan or China, where gymnastics is part of physical education throughout the elementary and high school years.

Stephen's heroic routine sent shockwaves, hopefully spurring interest in a once thriving men's sport. Men's gymnastics deserves the same support and attention as any other sport, which is widely considered the most challenging sport in the world. As gymnastics comes to an end here in Paris, we hope to continue the momentum Stephen created with his beautiful performance on the horse and humble yet powerful message for the next generation. Gymnastics is the greatest sport in the world and deserves equal respect and recognition.

Daniel Gundert

Gyminny Kids Owner and CEO