Stephen Nedoroscik recently impressed fans with his performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. As a pommel horse specialist, his nearly flawless routine helped Team USA secure a bronze medal. During the broadcast, viewers noticed his distinctive look with his eyes closed under his glasses. Now, fans are curious to know why Stephen Nedoroscik wears glasses.
Here is everything to know about why Stephen Nedoroscik wears glasses.
Why does Stephen Nedoroscik wear glasses?
Stephen Nedoroscik started wearing sports glasses during his time at Penn State. These glasses were a Secret Santa gift from his teammate Ben Cooperman. After performing exceptionally well while wearing them, he continued to use them, and soon, the glasses became a part of his routine. Therefore, the glasses are more for their symbolic value than any practical need.
According to Essentially Sports, the gymnast said, “They were a Secret Santa gift from a teammate. We joked that they must have some magic in them, so I kept wearing them. They’re more for show than anything. They don’t have prescription in them.”
Previously, Nedoroscik also opened up on TikTok about having strabismus, a condition that causes crossed eyes. He reached out to doctors on the platform for more information about his diagnosis and demonstrated his experience with the condition to his followers. While the strabismus doesn’t seem to affect his performance, it may influence his choice to wear glasses.
Nedoroscik also noted that he relies on feel rather than sight for the pommel horse. According to the Washington Post, he said, “I don’t think I actually use my eyes on pommel horse. It’s all feeling. I see with my hands.” Though he occasionally competes without them, the glasses remain a significant part of his persona. He wore them on the podium and while celebrating with his teammates.