WORCESTER, Mass. (WWLP) – “Dancing With the Stars” has revealed its first contestant for Season 33 as two-time Olympic medalist Stephen Nedoroscik, also known as “Clark Kent” of the pommel horse.
Nedoroscik, the 25-year-old gymnastics pommel horse specialist from Worcester, Massachusetts, said Thursday on the official “Dancing With the Stars” social media pages that he will indeed be competing for the Mirrorball Trophy.
“I’m so excited to be joining the new season of ‘Dancing With the Stars,'” he said. “I’m a two-time bronze medalist, and now I’m going after that Mirrorball.”
The casting was announced on Thursday’s episode of ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Nedoroscik is the first celebrity contestant named for the season. He’s also the first male gymnast to compete, “Good Morning America” co-host Robin Roberts said. The rest of the celebrity cast will be announced at a later date, ABC said in a release.
Nedoroscik trained for the France Olympics at EVO Gym in Sarasota, Florida. His performance in Paris earlier this month helped lead Team USA to the bronze medal in men’s gymnastics for the first time since 2008.
Nedoroscik became a social media sensation as fans circulated memes and photos of him on the sidelines wearing glasses. Before his routine, Nedoroscik removed his glasses to perform, and social media dubbed him “Clark Kent” after Superman’s alter ego.
During a recent appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” Nedoroscik also participated in a social media skit in which he entered a phone booth — just as Clark Kent does before changing into Superman — and then revealed his Olympic medals before appearing on the show.
As for Nedoroscik’s glasses?
“I might have fun with it. I’m scared they’ll fly off, that’s the thing,” Nedoroscik, who has an eye condition called coloboma, told the hosts. “Maybe we could do a gadget, keep them on? Maybe a new pair of glasses, match the theme?”
“Dancing With the Stars” hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough are returning for Season 33 along with judges Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough. The premiere is scheduled for Sept. 17 on ABC and Disney+.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.