Olympic medalist named as first competitor on next season of 'Dancing with the Stars'

Dancing with the Stars has announced its first contestant for the upcoming season, and it’s none other than Stephen Nedoroscik aka Pommel Horse Guy.

The American gymnast and bronze medalist will appear alongside returning co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough for the 33rd season of DWTS when it premieres September 17.

Nedoroscik, 25, rose to fame during the 2024 Paris Olympics where he earned two bronze medals as the pommel horse specialist for the U.S. men’s gymnastics team.

His score helped Team USA win their first men’s gymnastics team medal in 16 years. The 25-year-old’s third place finish in the individual pommel horse event also made history as he became the first American man to medal in the event in eight years.

PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 03: Bronze medalist Stephen Nedoroscik of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Artistic Gymnastics Men’s Pommel Horse Final on day eight of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 03, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

After returning home from the Olympics, Nedoroscik spoke with Today about his newfound fame.

“I mean, it’s definitely different than what we’re used to. It’s a new normal at this point, but I’m loving it. I’m loving the attention I’m bringing to men’s gymnastics and all my teammates. So I think it’s a really good thing, and I’m excited to see where it brings me.”

PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 03: Stephen Nedoroscik of Team United States competes during the Artistic Gymnastics Men’s Pommel Horse Final on day eight of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 03, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Nedoroscik spoke with Good Morning America about his hopes for DWTS.

“I want to bring some of that gymnastics — maybe a backflip or handstand. I want to have fun with it.”

As for what he plans to do with his famous glasses – he removed them while competing on the pommel horse – Nedoroscik hadn’t figured that out yet.

“I might have fun with it — I’m scared they’ll fly off … maybe we could do a gadget, keep them on. Maybe a new pair of glasses, match the theme, right?”

DWTS previously announced Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro would be returning as co-hosts and Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough would return as judges. The rest of the cast will be announced on September 4.

I’m so excited to see Stephen Nedoroscik compete on Dancing with the Stars. I really hope he’s able to incorporate some type of gymnastics into his dance routines.

Please share if you plan on watching!