Pommel horse king Stephen Nedoroscik becomes first celeb to join 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 33

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ABC has officially announced its first celebrity contestant for Season 33 of 'Dancing with the Stars'.

Olympic bronze medalist Stephen Nedoroscik announced on 'Good Morning America' on Thursday, August 22, that he is set to bring his athletic prowess to the DWTS stage as the first male gymnast to compete on the show.

Stephen Nedoroscik's Olympic success and 'DWTS' spotlight

During his appearance on 'GMA', Stephen Nedoroscik showcased some of his signature pommel horse moves, hinting that fans can expect to see elements of his gymnastics routines incorporated into his dances. "I'm hoping to bring some flares, maybe a backflip or handstand," he shared with host Robin Roberts. "I want to have fun with it."

The athlete shared his enthusiasm, stating, "I'm really excited." Nedoroscik's enthusiasm for the competition was evident as he revealed that he eagerly accepted the opportunity to join the show.

Nedoroscik earned widespread recognition after helping Team USA secure a bronze medal in the men’s gymnastics team final at the 2024 Paris Olympics—their first in 16 years. He later added an individual bronze medal on the pommel horse to his accolades, becoming a fan favorite for his thick glasses, which drew comparisons to Clark Kent on social media.

“It was just the greatest moment of my life, I think,” he shared with reporters after flawlessly executing his routine in the team final. “(I’m) so happy to have been there.”

As he transitions from the gymnastics arena to the 'DWTS' dance floor, Nedoroscik is also considering how to incorporate his trademark glasses into his performances. "I'm scared they'll fly off, but maybe we could do a gadget to keep them or get a new pair to match the theme," he said.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Nedoroscik is an advocate for individuals with low vision, having strabismus and coloboma himself. While in Paris, he shared a heartwarming moment with a young fan who has the same eye condition, highlighting his impact beyond the sport.

Season 33 of 'Dancing with the Stars' will premiere on Tuesday, September 17, at 8 pm ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming the next day on Hulu. Returning hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, along with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, are set to guide the season.

Stephen Nedoroscik’s 'DWTS' Season 33 debut announcement excites fans

The announcement of Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik joining 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 33 has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among fans on Facebook. Social media platforms have been buzzing with positive reactions, celebrating the athlete’s journey from the pommel horse to the dance floor.

One social media wrote, "That's awesome for this young man from MA! Best of luck Stephen!"

Expressing confidence in Nedoroscik’s potential, another said, "He will be fun to watch, good luck Stephen!"

Fans also highlighted Nedoroscik's inspiring story of perseverance. "From a podcast, I learned that his vision is so defective he can’t qualify for a driver’s license. And yet, this guy never wavered from his focus to become a successful specialized gymnast—and win Olympic medals. He wasn’t the best all-around, but he knew his strength, and that’s where he put his energies into. Inspirational true story!" one person noted.

"I’m excited to hear this!! My favorite in men’s gymnastics!!" wrote one enthusiastic supporter.

Another simply added, "How exciting! He was such an inspiration!"

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