08/01/2024
Sometimes, the world needs a Simone Biles to blow us away with raw talent, and sometimes, we need someone like Stephen Nedoroscik to remind us that a nerdy (his words), bespectacled engineer who can solve a Rubik's Cube in under 10 seconds can be a hero (Spoiler alert if you haven't watched the Men's gymnastics final yet.)
I love his story.
When he didn't progress in gymnastics like he wanted to, he threw himself into the one event he excelled at: the pommel horse. He's won all sorts of competitions as an event specialist, and literally was put on the team because he scores so big on this one apparatus.
During today's team finals, he spent the day bringing his teammates water, giving high fives, and cheering on every performance with incredible enthusiasm. And then it was his turn.
Nedoroscik was the last athlete to compete on the team's last rotation. He needed to hit his routine for the Americans to end a 16-year medal drought. No pressure.
It was a build-up right out of an iconic sports movie (Do you believe in miracles?)
While the pressure kept building in the gym, he meditated. A slight smile crept onto his face when he heard the cheers for his teammate's score. And then, like Clark Kent turning into Superman, he took off his jacket, removed his glasses, and puffed out his chest--and HE KILLED IT!
Nedoroscik took an untraditional path to get to the pinnacle of his sport and it paid off with an Olympic Bronze medal.
There is no one way to success, there is no one way to do this life, and there is no one way to find your purpose.
Be unapologetically and unabashedly you in every way possible, and you might end up the hero of your story as well.
Every member of the team had a role today, and they all delivered.
Congrats to the U.S. Men's Gymnastics team and to Stephen Nedoroscik.
Well done.
