‘Pommel Horse Guy’ Stephen Nedoroscik to Join ‘Dancing With the Stars’

Fresh from his impressive performance at the Olympics, U.S. breakout star and medalist Stephen Nedoroscik, widely known as “Pommel Horse Guy” on the internet, is set to compete in the upcoming season of “Dancing With the Stars.”

The announcement was made on Thursday’s episode of ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Nedoroscik is the first celebrity contestant revealed for the season premiering on September 17 on ABC and Disney+. He also makes history as the first male gymnast to participate in the show, a fact highlighted by “Good Morning America” co-host Robin Roberts.

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

The 25-year-old made waves in Paris, securing two bronze medals. He contributed to the American men’s team earning their first Olympic medal in 16 years and finished third in his individual event. His rise to internet fame was cemented by memes showcasing his preparation routine — no, he wasn’t asleep — and his Superman-like transformation before hitting the floor (removing his glasses, just like Clark Kent).

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

The upcoming season of “Dancing With the Stars” will be its 33rd. Co-hosting duties will be carried out by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, while the judging panel includes Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough. ABC announced in a release that the rest of the celebrity cast will be revealed later.

As for Nedoroscik’s iconic glasses that are a part of his signature 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, mentioned to the hosts. “Maybe we could do a gadget, keep them on? Maybe a new pair of glasses, match the theme?”

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For more coverage of the Paris Olympics, visit https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games.