Simone Biles has made sure to let ‘pommel horse guy’ Stephen Nedoroscik know that he is the latest social media icon, as a meme of the American gymnast has gone viral since she twice won bronze at the Paris Olympics.
In an interview with Teen Vogue Posted on Wednesday, Nedoroscik, 25, revealed that Biles reached out to him to show him the meme she had found.
“It’s really surreal because I don’t think she even knew what my name was a month ago,” Nedoroscik said of her interaction with Biles, whom she called an “icon” and “the BEST of all time.”
Nedoroscik became an overnight online sensation after helping the U.S. men’s gymnastics team finish third in the team final.
Their efforts helped the Americans medal in the event for the first time since the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Simone Biles showed Stephen Nedoroscik a viral meme of himself before returning to the US
Nedoroscik became an overnight internet sensation after winning two bronze medals in Paris.
Nedoroscick instantly became a viral meme when he was seen taking off his glasses and closing his eyes before his performance on the pommel horse last Saturday.
She won her second bronze in that event.
Nedoroscick, who posed with celebrity chef Guy Fieri after his exploits in Paris, was greeted as a hero by his fans when he returned to the U.S. on Tuesday, landing at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport in Florida, where he resides and trains.
The Worchester, Massachusetts native has yet to come to terms with his newfound post-Olympic success.
The 25-year-old pommel horse boy even got to pose for a photo with celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
“It’s incredible,” Nedoroscik said. Fox 13.
“Just the amount of people who have reached out to me and said things like, ‘We want to see men’s gymnastics. You’re helping to grow the fan base for men’s gymnastics.'”
‘And honestly, that’s what I really want to hear, that this sport is growing in our, you know, country.
“It’s not exactly the most popular and I’m glad I could help in that regard.”