When it was his turn, Nedoroscik removed his eyewear, prompting numerous references to Clark Kent and Superman.
Between Nedoroscik’s pommel horse prowess andhis sweet relationship story with his girlfriend, he became a fan favorite.
It also had the added impact of spotlighting the medical reasons behind his glasses: strabismus and coloboma.
According to theAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology, strabismus is commonly known as “crossed eyes.”
Both Nedoroscik and his mom, Cheryl Nedoroscik, have this condition.
“His pupils don’t constrict.
However, he wasn’t amping up the Clark Kent/Superman vibes.
““I don’t even really see when I’m doing my gymnastics.
It’s all in the hands I can feel everything.”
Like Nedoroscik,Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andradealso removes her glasses during events.
“It’s a very precise amount of push.”
These were a present from Ben Cooperman, one of his Penn State University gymnastics teammates.
While the lenses lacked a prescription to enhance Nedoroscik’s sight, they did become emblematic of good fortune.
Now his fame has increased knowledge about strabismus and coloboma exponentially.
“That was so cool to see that.
And, you know, he was just so happy.”
Nedoroscik even gave him and his family pins as a gesture of friendship.
Although strabismus can be alleviated with surgery, success can vary.
