'That is what he was here to do for Team USA': Worcester's Stephen Nedoroscik shines in Olympic debut

Worcester Tech graduate Stephen Nedoroscik shined in his first taste of the Summer Olympics on Saturday morning, as the pommel horse specialist showed why he was selected to the U.S. men's gymnastics team with a strong showing on his signature event in the first day of competition at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Nedoroscik put up a score of 15.200 to send him to the individual final on that apparatus as the United States finished second in their qualification group. Great Britain was three points ahead of the United States, but the American men appear to be safe to qualify for Monday's team final in the hunt for a medal. Saturday's competition was the qualifying round for both the team and individual finals.

With parents Cheryl and John Nedoroscik watching in the stands, the 25-year-old Nedoroczik, who got his start at Sterling Academy of Gymnastics and graduated from Worcester Tech in 2016, earned high praise from NBC commentator Tim Daggett throughout his routine, calling him "locked in" at one point as he spun and twisted on top of the apparatus.

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Nedoroscik, the 2021 world champion in the pommel horse, nailed his dismount, getting an emphatic, "Let's goooo" yelp from Daggett on commentary, then clapped his hands and raised his arms to the sky in celebration as the NBC broadcast showed his proud parents celebrating in his crowd.

"That is what he was here to do for Team USA," Daggett said in commentary.

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Nedoroscik's performance was even more important when teammate Brody Malone faltered and appeared to miss out on a spot in the all-around final . It was the only event Nedoroscik was competing in Saturday as he awaits his placement in the apparatus final to contend for a medal.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: 'That is what he was here to do for Team USA': Worcester's Stephen Nedoroscik shines in Olympic debut