Gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik Joins ‘Dancing With the Stars’

NEW YORK — Fresh off the Olympics, U.S. breakout star and medalist Stephen Nedoroscik, affectionately dubbed “Pommel Horse Guy” by the internet, is set to compete in the upcoming season of “Dancing With the Stars.”

The casting announcement was made on Thursday’s episode of ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Nedoroscik is the first celebrity contestant revealed for the season, which premieres on Sept. 17 on ABC and Disney+. He’s also breaking new ground as the first male gymnast to participate in the show, according to “Good Morning America” co-host Robin Roberts.

“I want to bring some of that gymnastics, maybe a backflip or handstand,” Nedoroscik remarked on the morning show. “I want to have fun with it.”

At 25, Nedoroscik has already made a significant mark in the gymnastics world. He secured two bronze medals in Paris, contributing to the American men’s team’s first Olympic medal in 16 years and finishing third in his individual event. He became a viral sensation thanks to memes capturing his pre-competition routines and Superman-like transformation when he removes his glasses.

“The memes are hilarious and I’m loving them all,” the Penn State engineering graduate shared with The Associated Press in Paris.

The newest season of “Dancing With the Stars” will be the show’s 33rd. It is co-hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough and judged by Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough. The rest of the celebrity cast will be announced later, ABC mentioned in a release.

As for Nedoroscik’s iconic glasses, which are a signature part of his look?

“I might have fun with it. I’m scared they’ll fly off, that’s the thing,” Nedoroscik, who has an eye condition called coloboma, explained on the show. “Maybe we could do a gadget, keep them on? Maybe a new pair of glasses, match the theme?”