STERLING, Mass. — The United States men's gymnastics team has earned its first medal in nearly two decades, and a Worcester native helped it get there.

Campers and staff at Sterling Gym gathered to cheer on the US Men's team during the final on Monday and all eyes were on pommel horse specialist Stephen Nedoroscik. The Worcester Tech grad started his gymnastics career at Sterling Gym when he was 6, and now he's inspiring the next generation of gymnasts.

The mid-day start for the final made for a great lunchtime watch party at Sterling Gym's summer camp.

Nedoroscik anchored the U.S. on the pommel horse, posting a score of 14.866. Team USA finished behind Japan and China, but the bronze marks the U.S. men's first Olympic medal since the 2008 Games.

Athletes and coaches at Sterling Gym said it's incredible to watch the local guy with his signature glasses show the world what he can do.

"Everyone's excited. Good gymnastics going on. They're excited to see what a Team USA can do," athlete Ryan Woodsmall said. "Hopefully Stephen can bring home some hardware to the gym."

"It's a great opportunity for them to see what it takes, what he put in here," Jon Rydzefski said. "And then for them to try to put in the same effort and dedication to try to rise up the ranks and make their dreams come true."

"I was a little kid when he was here, so I was always looking up to him," Woodsmall said. "It was a it's great to see him competing at such a high level now."

Nedoroscik will compete in the individual pommel horse final Saturday.