Some stars shine brightest when the spotlight fades. Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik is one of them. From pommel horse golds to dazzling spins on the DWTS stage, the Olympian-turned-dancer has somehow blended elite athleticism with boy-next-door charm. Not only did his stellar performance at the Paris Olympics help the country break a 16-year-long medal curse. But of late, his act at the Dolby Theatre is the one that truly shook the internet.
On his latest Instagram post, Nedoroscik shared snippets from a breathtaking performance and awesome behind-the-scenes moments. Donning colorful outfits, the Olympian was surely a sight to behold. But what really caught people’s attention? A three-word message from the 26-year-old, and the continued support and love of his on-stage partner, Rylee Arnold. But Stephen Nedoroscik is not just phenomenal on-stage, glimpses into his behind-the-scenes life show that he is just a joy to be around. From phenomenal group pictures to a display of energy like none other, he is really a class apart. Last season, he was the dark horse who lit up the floor with Rylee Arnold. This year, as co-host of season 34, he’s leveling up, and fans are here for all of it. But enough about that, what are the three words?
A simple yet striking “coast to coast,” posted by Stephen on Instagram with a snapshot from his latest routine. It was effortless, understated, and totally him. But the comment that truly melted fans came from his dance partner Rylee, who chimed in with, “The chair handstand!!! I’m impressed!!!” And honestly, who wouldn’t be? Pulling off a gravity-defying stunt mid-dance is one thing, but doing it with that trademark Nedoroscik flair is what makes it unforgettable.
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This performance marked yet another chapter in what’s become a quietly legendary journey. Back in season 33, when he paired up with Rylee for the first time, few expected a pommel horse specialist to go toe-to-toe with ballroom veterans. But Stephen didn’t just keep up. He leveled up. He made it all the way to the finals, charming fans and judges alike with every step, spin, and lift. One of his most iconic moments? That Superman-themed routine. A cheeky nod to his nickname as the ‘Clark Kent’ of gymnastics. It was a moment of self-awareness, joy, and raw talent all rolled into one.
And the love didn’t stop there. Stephen used the platform to honor the U.S. gymnastics team’s historic Olympic medal win, the first in 16 years, and hinted at a dream still in the works of getting a gymnastics move officially named after him. He’s even posted a clip of himself performing a daring new pommel horse move with the caption, “One day I’ll have my name in the code.” For a guy who once weathered intense criticism, the transformation has been remarkable. Stephen Nedoroscik is proving that grace, grit, and a little humility can take you far. And his fans? They’re loving every second of the ride.
From “Pommel Horse Guy” to America’s favorite showman
There’s a moment every tour stop when the lights dim, the music swells, and out comes Stephen Nedoroscik. And according to one fan? “Stephen, you have been killing it all on tour!!!! 
” They’re not wrong. The American Star has been lighting up stages on the Dancing with the Stars: Live! 2025 tour. His freestyle finish to Viva La Vida might’ve earned him fourth place last season, but his real win has come in the form of fan devotion. With 81 shows across North America, Emmy-winner Mandy Moore’s choreography, and an all-star cast, it’s clear that this tour isn’t just about dance. It’s about Stephen’s moment.
Of course, not long ago, he was just “that Pommel Horse guy.” A title fans are happily rewriting. As one put it, “Pommel horse guy? Nahh. Dancing guy.” It’s a transformation that speaks volumes. His coach, Randy Jepson, summed it up best, “Every day that I’ve worked with Stephen, every day that I’ve known him, what the public has now seen is what I’ve seen. He’s a genuine guy.” That authenticity is what fans connect with. It’s not just about how high he jumps or how smooth he twirls; it’s about who he is between the steps.
“What a goofball, I love Stephen,” one follower wrote, and it’s a vibe the entire DWTS tour has embraced. Whether he’s cracking jokes with co-hosts or breaking into spontaneous dance with Rylee Arnold backstage, Nedoroscik’s joy is as infectious as his footwork. In fact, one of his most recent stunts, an outrageous chair handstand, sent social media into a frenzy. As another fan shouted online, “The chair handstand was absolutely insane 
.” It’s the kind of jaw-dropping moment that makes this tour unforgettable, and Stephen the main attraction.
But perhaps the most touching fan reaction came not for his technique or timing, but for his heart: “Your joy is infectious. Please preserve it at all costs. 
” In a world that can be ruthless with its stars, Nedoroscik is a rare breed. His blend of Olympic-caliber work ethic, stage charisma, and unfiltered kindness has turned him from an underdog gymnast into one of the most beloved entertainers on the road. And if the cheers from the crowd and the comments online are anything to go by, Stephen isn’t just co-hosting a dance tour. He’s leading a movement.
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