Stephen Nedoroscik, a 25-year-old U.S. men’s gymnast known for his distinctive glasses and love for Rubik’s cubes, has become a viral sensation online, earning the nickname “the Clark Kent of gymnastics.”
Stephen Nedoroscik’s Viral Moment on TODAY
During an appearance on TODAY on July 30, Nedoroscik created another meme-worthy moment by sporting co-anchor Hoda Kotb’s black sunglasses. He proudly wore his bronze medal as he sat with teammates Brody Malone and Asher Hong to discuss their recent performance that earned their team a podium spot for the first time since 2008.
Becoming an Internet Meme
When Hoda asked Nedoroscik how he felt about becoming a meme, referring to a now-iconic photo of him looking composed while wearing his glasses before helping his team secure the bronze medal on July 29, he responded with a laugh, “I think they’re awesome. I’m representing people that wear glasses well.”
The viral memes began circulating on July 29, with many users comparing Nedoroscik to Clark Kent. One user commented, “Clark Kent while sitting on the sidelines — Superman on the pommel horse,” while another noted, “Nerves of steel!”
The Secret Behind His Calm Demeanor
On TODAY, Nedoroscik, who wore Hoda’s sunglasses due to eye sensitivity, explained what was going through his mind during that moment. “I’m doing my breathing exercises,” he said. “We always try to keep our heart rate down, and through that five minutes I’m sitting there, I’m just visualizing my routine over and over … that’s all I’m doing in my head.”
Competing Without Glasses
Nedoroscik also shared his experience of performing without his glasses. “It’s not necessarily clear, but the thing about pommel horse is if I keep them on, they’re gonna fly somewhere,” he explained. “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.”
Read also:- American Lee Kiefer Wins Second Olympic Gold in Women’s Foil Fencing
A Passion for Rubik’s Cubes
Nedoroscik’s love for solving Rubik’s cubes has also caught the attention of social media users. He solved a cube in 9.5 seconds on the day of the competition. “It’s a stress relief, sometimes I make the excuse that it’s good for wrist rehab too,” he said. “I love to solve it — it’s just fun.”
On platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok, users have celebrated the glasses-wearing, Rubik’s cube-solving athlete who has become a standout figure in U.S. men’s gymnastics. “Stephen Nedoroscik had to score big on pommel horse for Team USA in the last rotation,” @NBCOlympics wrote in a July 28 post on TikTok. “AND HE DID.”
Nedoroscik’s performance on July 29 was crucial, as he dismounted from his pommel horse routine with a score of 14.866, boosting Team USA’s overall score to 257.793 and securing the bronze medal. This achievement marked the end of a 16-year dry spell for the team, which last won a medal in 2008.
Embracing His Role
Despite some controversy regarding his place on the team, as he competed in just one event, Nedoroscik proved his worth. Fans have embraced his unique journey and dedication to his specialty. One fan wrote, “I love this nerdy kid from Worcester who’s at the Olympics just to do pommel horse and only pommel horse and he is literally Team USA’s best chance at Olympic gold for just pommel horse. LOVE HIM.”
Author John Green also highlighted Nedoroscik’s nerd credentials, noting his Instagram posts about solving a Rubik’s cube in under 10 seconds while in Paris for the Olympics. Nedoroscik’s blend of athletic prowess and relatable hobbies has made him a beloved figure and a source of inspiration for many.
