The Pommel Horse King's Ballroom Reign: 7 Shocking Secrets Behind Stephen Nedoroscik’s DWTS Stardom

The charismatic "Pommel Horse Guy" Stephen Nedoroscik captivated audiences on *Dancing with the Stars* Season 33, turning his Olympic gymnastics fame into a stunning ballroom journey that ended in the finale. As of December 18, 2025, Nedoroscik's story is one of the most compelling in recent *DWTS* history, not only for his unexpected dance skills but also for his viral personality that earned him a major television award after the season concluded. His partnership with pro Rylee Arnold proved to be a fan-favorite, showcasing a blend of athletic prowess and genuine charm that resonated deeply with viewers and judges alike. This article dives deep into the Olympic medalist's transition from the rigid world of gymnastics to the fluid demands of the ballroom, revealing the key moments, his surprising post-show career move, and the full biography of the internet's favorite star.

Stephen Nedoroscik: Biography and Professional Profile

Stephen John Nedoroscik is an American artistic gymnast renowned as one of the world's leading specialists on the pommel horse. His unique combination of elite athleticism, distinctive style—often featuring his signature glasses—and an infectious, meme-worthy personality has made him a global sensation, transitioning seamlessly from the sports world to mainstream entertainment.

• Full Name: Stephen John Nedoroscik OLY
• Date of Birth: October 29, 1998 (Age: 27 as of late 2025)
• Place of Birth: Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
• Nationality: American
• Height: Approximately 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
• Education: Penn State University (Alumnus)
• Primary Sport: Artistic Gymnastics (Pommel Horse Specialist)
• Olympic Medal: Bronze (Paris 2024, Men's Team Final)
• World Championship Titles: 2021 World Champion (Pommel Horse)
• DWTS Season: Season 33 (Finalist)
• DWTS Partner: Rylee Arnold
• Estimated Net Worth (2024): Approximately $1 million
• Relationship Status: Dating Tess McCracken

The Unexpected Journey from Pommel Horse to Perfect Scores

Nedoroscik’s casting on *Dancing with the Stars* Season 33 was a direct result of his viral fame following the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. His incredible performance on the pommel horse, which helped Team USA secure a bronze medal, coupled with his meme-generating "Pommel Horse Guy" persona, made him an instant celebrity.

His transition to the ballroom, however, was far from easy. Gymnastics requires immense upper body strength and rigidity, the exact opposite of the fluid, grounded movement needed for ballroom dancing.

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The Rylee Arnold Partnership: A Fan-Favorite Duo

Stephen was paired with pro dancer Rylee Arnold, a dynamic pairing that quickly became a highlight of the season. The duo, affectionately nicknamed "Team Pommel Horse," managed to overcome the initial stiffness of a gymnast learning to dance.

Rylee's choreography expertly blended Stephen's natural athleticism with genuine ballroom technique. Their routines were often characterized by impressive lifts and powerful performances that showcased his physical strength.

Key Dances and The Finale

Throughout Season 33, Stephen and Rylee consistently improved, earning high praise from the judges. Their Premiere Jive to Queen’s "Don't Stop Me Now" set a high bar for the season.

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The journey culminated in a stunning finale performance. For their Freestyle, the pair danced to Coldplay’s "Viva La Vida," a routine that perfectly captured the emotional and athletic intensity of their entire run. This performance earned them their first perfect score of the season, a major achievement for the Olympic athlete, solidifying his place as a true contender.

Why Stephen Nedoroscik Won More Than the Mirrorball

While Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold did not take home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, Nedoroscik’s impact on the show and his subsequent recognition prove he was one of the season’s biggest winners.

1. Critics Choice Real TV Award: Male Star of the Year

In a major post-season triumph, Stephen Nedoroscik was awarded the prestigious Critics Choice Real TV Award for Male Star of the Year. This award, which recognizes excellence in reality television, highlights the profound connection he made with the audience and critics.

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His win was a testament to his authentic personality, his dedication to the dance, and his ability to entertain far beyond the gymnastics arena. The recognition cemented his status as a mainstream television star.

2. The Viral Meme King Persona

Stephen's appeal is intrinsically linked to his "Pommel Horse Guy" persona, which originated from his intense focus and signature look—complete with glasses—during his Olympic routines.

His DWTS performances often incorporated this playful, self-aware charm. He embraced the memes, using his platform to promote men's gymnastics and his unique brand of confident, slightly goofy charisma. This viral success translated directly into viewer votes and massive social media engagement, which is crucial for survival in the competition.

3. Co-Hosting the DWTS Live! 2025 Tour

Further demonstrating his enduring popularity, Nedoroscik was announced as a co-host for the highly anticipated *Dancing with the Stars: Live! 2025* tour.

This role allows him to return to the ballroom, engaging directly with fans across the country and continuing his partnership with the *DWTS* franchise. It is a significant career move that solidifies his transition from Olympic athlete to entertainment personality.

Topical Authority Entities and LSI Keywords

The success of Stephen Nedoroscik on *Dancing with the Stars* Season 33 generated significant buzz, linking several key entities and terms:

• Gymnastics World: Artistic Gymnastics, Pommel Horse Specialist, Paris 2024 Olympics, Bronze Medal, 2021 World Champion, Team USA.
• DWTS Season 33: Rylee Arnold, Mirrorball Trophy, Freestyle, Jive, Premiere Dance, Halloween Night, Perfect Score, Finalist, Elimination, 500th Episode.
• Media & Persona: Critics Choice Real TV Award, Male Star of the Year, "Pommel Horse Guy," Viral Memes, Social Media Sensation, Olympic Star.
• Post-Show Career: *Dancing with the Stars: Live! 2025* Tour, Co-Host, Penn State Alumnus.
• Routines & Music: "Viva La Vida" (Coldplay), "Don't Stop Me Now" (Queen), Wicked (Double Elimination).