Stephen Nedoroscik sends message to fans after securing bronze medal in men’s pommel horse final

Stephen Nedoroscik played a role in breaking a long drought for the United States, helping them earn a medal in men’s gymnastics. Just a few days later, Nedoroscik was walking home with another bronze medal but this one individual. His pommel horse routine was good enough to earn third place for the prize.

Following the accomplishment, Nedoroscik sent a message to the fans. He thanked them for the support, while including his close circle. A long journey from his home in the Northeast was required to cross the pond but coming home with a bronze medal was well worth it.

“Hey everybody back in the States,” Nedoroscik said. “I just want to say thank you so much for the continued support. My family, my friends, my athletic trainers — everyone that has ever had an impact on my life. You shaped me into who I am today. And today, I’m a bronze medalist at the Olympics. So thank you so, so much.”

Rhys McClenaghan of Ireland brought home the gold with a 15.533 while Kazakhstan’s Nariman Kurbanov came in right behind him at 15.433 to lock up the silver. Nedoroscik’s 15.300 stood after the final gymnast fell off the pommel horse, which cemented a place on the podium for the American — something he will never forgot.

Stephen Nedoroscik performs well during all-around competition

Nedoroscik – who competes on the collegiate level at Penn State – is considered a pommel horse specialist and it was his only event during the all-around. It was also the last routine on the last rotation of the day for the U.S., meaning he had to sit in anticipation of the event for hours before scoring a 14.866 to help seal the bronze.

Every other member of Team USA played a role in the team bronze medal too. 

Brody Malone and Paul Juda both scored strong pommel horse scores and had big performances throughout the competition. Asher Hong and Fred Richard – who compete at Stanford and Michigan, respectively – rounded out the team and shined in their respective events. Richard notably put together a strong performance in the horizontal bar, recording a score of 14.833.

Malone was the lone member of the team to return from the 2020 squad, one that finished in fifth place. The moment may have been a little more special for him, bouncing back four years later.

On3’s Dan Morrison and Nick Schultz contributed to this report