Stephen Nedoroscik's 2024 Olympics Pommel Horse Routine Draws Drug Test

Stephen Nedoroscik, the internet sensation known as the "pommel horse guy," has captivated audiences worldwide after his standout performance in the men’s gymnastics team finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In a whirlwind week of newfound fame, Nedoroscik made history by becoming just the second American man in 40 years to earn a medal in the pommel horse event at the Paris Games.

After Stephen Nedoroscik delivered his now-iconic pommel horse routine at the 2024 Paris Olympics, he underwent a routine drug test.

After his standout performance, Nedoroscik quickly rose to fame, with the internet drawing comparisons to Clark Kent due to his glasses. He later shared in an interview with GQ that he didn’t realize he had become a global sensation until hours later, during a dinner with his family.

"Funny enough, it took three hours after that competition for me to even check my phone, because right afterwards, of course, with how drug testing works out here, I got chosen. So I didn't really see anything for three hours until I finally got to go and sit down for dinner with my family."

"And I only got about 15 minutes with them, and my girlfriend goes, "Dude, have you looked at your phone?" And I'm like, "What are you talking about?" She's like, "You're trending on Twitter." And I was like, "You're joking me." It's insane."

On July 29, Nedoroscik not only earned his place on the team, but delivered a pivotal performance during the final rotation, clinching Team USA’s first Olympic medal in the pommel horse event in 16 years.

His appearance and personality—highlighted by his glasses and his impressive Rubik's Cube skills—quickly captured the internet’s attention.

"I think that it's being someone you don't expect to be able to do something cool, I guess. Honestly, I'm very authentic about being a nerd. I totally am. I love math. I'm an electrical engineer. I like to think that I'm just a regular dude who happens to be really good at pommel horse," he told GQ. "And it's cool that people were able to see me be who I am and then also go out there and get the job done for Team USA."

Nedoroscik and his eyeglasses have raised awareness for a condition known as coloboma, where part of the eye's tissue is missing. Fans have since reached out to thank him for serving as a role model for children who wear glasses.

"It's awesome being in this position, and I've definitely had a lot of problems with my eyesight," he told GQ. "For example, if I'm outdoors with my coloboma, I'm hypersensitive to that sunlight, so I really can't see. And on top of that, with my crossed vision, I don't have depth perception, so it makes it really hard to be good at sports."

He continued, "But luckily for me, I chose gymnastics by chance, but it was the sport that was literally designed for me and my eyesight. And to all the kids out there that also have glasses, I hope that they can see my story and understand that whether or not something might hold you back doesn't mean that you can't do it anyways."

At the end of the day, Nedoroscik is like everyone else--captivated by Simone Biles and her impressive gymnastics performances.

When asked who he was most excited to see at the Olympics, he admitted, "Honestly, just Simone Biles. I don't think she even really knew my name a month ago, but now the other day she literally was like, 'Oh, Steve, Steve, Steve, I took the screenshot of this meme I saw of you.' I was like, 'Wow, my life is different now.'"

As expected, his fame didn't just occur outside of the Olympic Village. Once he became an internet sensation, other athletes were going up to "pommel horse guy," asking for photos.

"I've totally had a few people come up to me and ask for pictures," he told GQ. "In general, people respect the space. It's like, 'I'm sure he is getting bombarded, so let's just do a quick hi' But for the most part, most people just look at me and be like, 'Hey, I just want to say congratulations. I saw your story and thought it was really inspirational.' All just very kind things."