"There was an immediate community hatred"- Stephen Nedoroscik opens up on the aftermath of his selection in US gymnastics' team for the Paris Olympics

By Animesh Pandey

Modified Nov 08, 2024 05:15 GMT

Stephen Nedoroscik did wonders in men's artistic gymnastics at the Paris Olympics, with two back-to-back Olympic medals. The 26-year-old gymnast recently opened up on the controversy surrounding his selection to the US gymnastics team, and how he dealt with it.

In a podcast on the YouTube channel 'Mythical Kitchen', Nedoroscik opened up on the reactions after he was selected for the US Gymnastics team for the Paris Olympics,

"Yeah, I mean making the team, like I said, it was very unlikely I made it. And I was so blessed to be a part of it. And there was like an immediate sort of like, community hatred that I made the team."

Nedoroscik further explained why some people looked down on his selection due to his inclination towards the pommel horse event.

"Not hatred, but like there's a negativity behind it because I only do the one event [pommel horse]. So like I immediately knew I had something to prove like and like I kind of like the hate, I like it when people doubt me," added Nedoroscik.

Nedoroscik contributed to the historic podium finish for Team USA in the men's team all-around event at the Paris Olympics, the first in 16 years. The 26-year-old gymnast went on to win another bronze medal in the individual pommel horse event.

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Stephen Nedoroscik on making it to the Paris Olympics

Stephen Nedoroscik at the podium after winning the bronze medal in the men's Pommel Horse event at the Paris Olympics 2024 [Image Source : Getty]

During the same podcast, Stephen Nedoroscik mentioned how he felt when he made it to the US gymnastics team and also touched upon his experience at the Olympic Village.

"I think like, the thing that shocked me the most is like, I was living my dream. Like I made the Olympic team, and like, that was so slim like for me to get into that squad. And then I get to the Olympic village, and like I'm on this, the top floor of the USA house, and I'm looking out at everything, and I'm like, 'Oh my God, there are thousands of Olympians here," mentioned Nedoroscik.

The 26-year-old gymnast also talked about how the presence of so many Olympians made him more comfortable and relaxed.

"Everyone here has also achieved their dream. And, like something about that thought just kind of made the whole situation feel serious. And I actually think, like, it helped my performance," the gymnast added.

After winning two consecutive bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, Stephen Nedoroscik was all set to join the second season of the much talked about 'Gold over America Tour' led by Olympic champion Simone Biles.

However, midway through the Olympics, Nedoroscik was offered to join the 33rd season of 'Dancing with the Stars'. Despite the initial hesitation over his dancing skills, the American gymnast chose to go ahead and is now among the top six contestants on the show, alongside his dancing partner Rylee Arnold