The Olympic Games-Paris 2024 - Source: Getty — Stephen Nedoroscik talks about the decline of men's gymnastics in the USA [Image for Representational Purposes] [Image Source : Getty]

"No one is really respecting it" - Stephen Nedoroscik opens up on the decline of men's gymnastics in the USA

Modified Nov 09, 2024 05:45 GMT

Stephen Nedoroscik has been a strong advocate for the revival of men's gymnastics. The 26-year-old recently opened up about the decline of men's gymnastics in the USA and why it needs to be popularized again.

During a recent podcast with host Josh on the YouTube channel 'Mythical Kitchen,' Nedoroscik talked about how he aimed to use the platform of gymnastics for the larger good. He said:

"I mean, I'm just the honored to have the platform I have and I want to use it. You know, for like, um, I just want it to use it like to grow this sport, because like since the 1980s, NCAA programs have been dropping, dropping, drop and drop. Even like recent days, like Ohio state just cut their scholarships. " [20:54 onwards]

Nedoroscik added that he was disappointed with the apathy towards the men's gymnastics.

"It's pretty insane that we have this beautiful sport where like, so many great people are a part of it and just like work their life for it. And no one's really respecting it the amount that they should. So my biggest thing is that the sport does a 180 and grow in popularity in the United States," added Nedoroscik.

Stephen Nedoroscik is a contestant in the 33rd season of 'Dancing with the Stars,' whose next round will commence on November 12. The 26-year-old gymnast is only a few steps away from making it to the grand finale.

Stephen Nedoroscik on the need to revive men's gymnastics in USA

Stephen Nedoroscik performing at the Pommel Horse event at Paris Olympics 2024 [Image Source : Getty]

Stephen Nedoroscik had written a long post on Instagram on October 16, requesting his fans to encourage gymnastics at the collegiate level. Nedoroscik wrote:

"We are looking to create a brighter future for NCAA Men’s Gymnastics, and it starts here! My time as an NCAA gymnast gave me experiences that were critical to me becoming an Olympic Bronze medalist, and it is my goal to ensure the same opportunities are available to athletes for years to come."

The American gymnast also mentioned why men's gymnastics needed more support, especially from the NCAA at the collegiate level.

"The College Gymnastics Association has recently played an integral part in the formation of multiple new collegiate teams around the country, and is actively working with yet another school interested in adding NCAA Men’s Gymnastics in the near future. The brighter future starts here!," Nedoroscik added.

Stephen Nedoroscik represented Penn State University at the college level and won the NCAA Championships twice - in 2017 and 2018. Nedoroscik made the USA proud at the Paris Olympics, where he won a bronze medal in the pommel horse event. He also contributed to a historic Olympic medal after 16 years for Team USA in the men's all-around event at the Paris Olympics.