NEW YORK (AP) — Fresh off the Olympics, U.S. breakout star and medalist Stephen Nedoroscik — better known to the internet as “Pommel Horse Guy” — will compete on the upcoming season of “Dancing With the Stars.”
The casting was announced on Thursday’s episode of ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Nedoroscik is the first celebrity contestant named for the season, which premieres Sept. 17 on ABC and Disney+. He’s also the first male gymnast to compete, “Good Morning America” co-host Robin Roberts said.
“I want to bring some of that gymnastics, maybe a backflip or handstand,” Nedoroscik said on the morning show. “I want to have fun with it.”
Stephen Nedoroscik, of United States, performs on the pommel during the men’s artistic gymnastics team finals round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
The 25-year-old picked up two bronze medals in Paris, helping the American men’s team earn its first Olympic medal in 16 years in addition to finishing third in his individual event. He became a viral star thanks to memes of his preparation before competing — no, he was not asleep — and of his Superman-like transformation before hitting the floor (he takes his glasses off, just like Clark Kent).
“The memes are hilarious and I’m loving them all,” the Penn State engineering graduate told The Associated Press in Paris.
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The newest season of “Dancing With the Stars” will be the show’s 33rd. It’s 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 at a later date, ABC said in a release.
As for the iconic glasses that are indelibly part of Nedoroscik’s 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, told the hosts. “Maybe we could do a gadget, keep them on? Maybe a new pair of glasses, match the theme?”
