Stephen Nedoroscik, whether performing a gymnastics routine at the Olympics or performing the tango on a dancing stage, knows how to get attention. But did you know this gymnastics superhero, famously dubbed the ‘Clark Kent’ of Gymnastics, didn’t see that nickname coming—quite literally? Turns out, Stephen’s journey has been anything but ordinary, as he battles not one but two eye conditions. First up, there’s coloboma, a condition that stunts the development of his eyes. And then, there’s strabismus, or as many call it, “lazy eye,” which makes his eyes cross inward. To tackle this, Stephen rocks his specs, adding a touch of geek-chic charm to his already heroic vibe. Oh, and fun fact: those glasses aren’t just a fashion statement—they’re his secret weapon to combat the blur of a world that often refuses to come into focus.
Opening up on the Lightweights Podcast with Joe Vulpis, Stephen spilled the tea on the ups and downs of chasing gymnastics glory with blurred vision. He said how difficult it was as a child when he could barely see without his specs and how it even affected his confidence. “I think it affects me in a ‘confidence’ way.” Bright lights? Total nightmare. Adding to the challenge is astigmatism—thanks to coloboma; his eyes are not shaped right to properly refract light, so visions become distorted instead of clear. And now, Stephen Nedoroscik has revealed that he has been living with two eye disorders to this date and explaining how they affect him.
According to a recent People report, Stephen Nedoroscik has mastered the art of navigating life with cross-vision, despite enduring eye surgery at just eight years old—a surgery that, unfortunately, didn’t fix the problem and failed. Growing up, he sported those cool glasses that darken in the sunlight, but even they couldn’t shield him completely. Thanks to his “huge pupils” caused by coloboma, Stephen is still super sensitive to light, so much so that he doesn’t drive.
Living in sunny Sarasota, Florida, with his girlfriend of eight years, Tess McCracken, Stephen Nedoroscik has found a unique way to adapt. When he’s out and about, he barely opens his eyes, explaining, “That’s how I navigate.” For him, it’s all about quick, millisecond glimpses before closing his eyes again—an everyday battle he faces with resilience and a touch of superhero finesse.
This story is developing…
Failed Surgery at 8, Stephen Nedoroscik Reveals Struggle With 2 Eye Diseases
