STERLING, Mass. - A sea of American flags and cheers throughout Sterling Gym Saturday morning as Stephen Nedoroscik competed in the Summer Olympics pommel horse finals.

An alumnus of Worcester Tech as well as a former member of the Worcester County gym.

Gymnasts and parents we spoke with say watching him on one of the world's biggest stages has been a blast.

“Watching somebody from the gym compete is just amazing because he practiced on the same equipment that we practice on," said Sterling gymnast Austin Hopping. "He had the same coaches that we have right now. It's just amazing seeing him make it on such a huge world stage."

"It's really exciting, especially for Stephen obviously it's phenomenal getting the press that he's getting and doing so well but it also means a lot to the boys gymnastics community," said Sterling gym mom Jessica Ash. "Because we don't always get all the press that the girls get so I think that's what's rso exciting for us is to see our boys getting the spotlight." 

In 2021, Nedoroscik won a world championship in pommel horse, and his efforts this year helped the US Men's gymnastics team win their first medal since 2008.

His accomplishments in the sport have been inspiring. 

"I think this is exactly what we need," said Sterling gymnast Jack Norton.  "It's such a hard sport. We need more people to understand how difficult it is and Stephen is the perfect person to help people understand."

"Pommel horse is probably the hardest event. You look at high bar and you're like, 'Oh, that's super cool' but the real toughest event is the pommel horse," said Sterling Gymnast Jackson Kwan. "That thing takes so much endurance and positioning and the form they have to maintain throughout the entire routine. It's just nuts."

It was an emotional experience for the viewers at Sterling Gym... from clinched fists full of anticipation to tears of joy as the pommel horse finals came to an end.

Nedoroscik will now take home two bronze medals from these Olympic Games. Gym members and parents say they could not be more proud of him.

"All his hard work paid off. He did amazing. I love it. Great. Couldn't ask for me," said Norton. 

"He's not our kid but I think we're all feeling like proud parents today knowing where he came from," said Sterling gymnast mom Lisa Wilkins.  "And all our boys are here so we're all on the moon for him right now."