The reason Team USA gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik doesn't need glasses during pommel horse routine

Team USA gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik explains why he ditches his glasses during his pommel horse routine.

USA gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik reacts after performing on the pommel horse during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Bercy Arena. / James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Fans are going wild over Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik, and it's not just for his Clark Kent vibe.

During the men’s gymnastics final on Monday, July 29, he took off his glasses and executed a flawless routine on the pommel horse, helping the US gymastics team clinch their first Olympic medal in 16 years. 

While some fans may wonder why he took off the very thing he uses to see – the answer is quite simple.

Nedoroscik explained to TODAY after the event, “The issue with pommel horse is, if I leave them on, they’ll fly off.” 

Stephen Nedoroscik, the Clark Kent of pommel horse! 🫡🇺🇸 #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/1HfYFSbJvH

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 30, 2024

The 25-year-old had previously opened up about his eye conditions, including strabismus (crossed eyes) and coloboma (missing eye tissue), which causes sensitivity to light. 

Despite these challenges, Nedoroscik doesn’t need perfect vision to excel in his sport, saying to the outlet, “When I’m on the pommel horse, it’s all about feeling the apparatus. I don’t rely on sight for my routine.” He continued, “It’s all in the hands. I sense everything through touch.”

Footage of Nedoroscik with his eyes closed before his performance raised some questions. He clarified to TODAY, “In that moment, I’m focusing on my breathing exercises. We aim to keep our heart rate down, and during those five minutes, I’m visualizing my routine repeatedly.”

When you’re introverted but have extroverted tendencies. 😂

The only time I saw @GymnastSteve smile was when Brody Malone killed it and he followed it up with this. 🇺🇸

The men’s USA gymnastics team did amazing! pic.twitter.com/d6lwEC1l5f

— Jordan Karr (@JordanLkarr) July 30, 2024

Nedoroscik also mentioned he’s a fan of the memes comparing him to the famed superhero. “I think they’re hilarious,” he said. “I’m proud to represent people who wear glasses.”

— Enjoy free dish of rich and fabulous players with The Athlete Lifestyle on SI —

Showdown: Livvy Dunne, Angel Reese pose in front of Eiffel Tower: who wore it best?

2H2H Barbie: Angel Reese flaunts bikini selfies for third day: Chanel stunner this time

WHAT?!: Jaw-dropping cost of Simon Biles’ Team USA Olympic leotard revealed

Plus one: Simone Biles’ husband Jonathan Owens’ custom shirt goes viral at Olympics

Hidden treasure: Fan notices Taylor Swift’s Easter egg spotted in bf’s Chiefs suite