Team USA’s men’s gymnastics squad sent fans wild on Monday as they won their first medal since 2008.
A top-three finish was firmly in the balance when specialist Stephen Nedoroscik stepped up to do his pommel horse routine – the only event that he participated in.
And the 25-year-old absolutely nailed his routine to secure a bronze medal for the USA.
Nedoroscik and his teammates clearly understood the magnitude of the moment after his routine as they lifted him up in the air while he pumped his fists.
His parents could also be seen cheering him on in the crowd, with his mother proudly wearing a Penn State hat (Nedoroscik attended the school).
Brody Malone, Asher Hong, Fred Richard, Paul Juda and Stephen Nedoroscik celebrate winning a gold medal for Team USA on Monday
Nedoroscik’s parents cheered after their son nailed his pommel horse routine on Monday
USA fans were hugely proud of the team’s medal win and took to X to express as such.
‘Can you imagine waiting thru 6 events for THE one event you were brought to the Olympics for? The pressure,’ one said of Nedorosciks closing performance. ‘[Way to go]!!!!! The whole team hit 18/18 routines. Insane!
‘He took off the Clark Kent glasses and became Superman,’ another said, in a clever nod to the glasses-wearing gymnast.
‘Handled that pressure like a true Olympian,’ another added.
While Nedoroscik grabbed the spotlight towards the end of his team’s win, his teammates Brody Malone, Asher Hong, Fred Richard and Paul Juda played massive roles as well, with the five-some holding up the American flag afterwards.
Nedoroscik was lifted up by his teammates after his pommel horse routine clinched bronze
American fans proudly held up the USA flag at the Bercy Arena in Paris, France on Monday
Juda also performed a massive pommel horse routine before Nedoroscik, while Richard starred on the floor, rings and high bar.
Malone played his part in the rings and high bar in the final, while Hong went wild after his vault routine.
The USA’s success, though, came at a cost to Great Britain, which finished in fourth and narrowly missed out on a medal.
Japan claimed the gold in men’s gymnastics while China were second.
