HOLDEN, Mass. – Parents of Olympic gymnast and Worcester native Stephen Nedoroscik knew he was always a special athlete. It's why his dad bought him his own pommel horse when he was a kid.
Excitement for the Nedoroscik family hit its peak when his name was first announced for the Olympic games, and just days away from competing, is shooting back up.
"It started to hit us last night when we met the old families from Sterling, where he used to practice," said Stephen's father, John Nedoroscik. "So, that's when it started to pick up a little bit for me."
What You Need To Know
- A special sendoff in Holden celebrated Worcester athletes competing in the Olympics this year
- Stephen Nedoroscik will compete on the pommel horse
- Aaron Ortiz will represent the USA in Muay Thai. He says he's excited to compete, and doesn't have many nerves.
- Nedoroscik's parents will be going to Paris to watch Stephen compete
Stephen Nedoroscik's parents were joined by members of the community at BayState Savings Bank, where his mother works, for a special send-off ceremony Tuesday. Stephen Nedoroscik is already in Paris and joined virtually. His parents will be joining him in just a few days.
Although excitement is high, the nerves are creeping in, with Stephen's time in the spotlight coming up this week.
"Everybody's dream is to make it to the Olympics," said Cheryl Nedoroscik, the athlete's mother. "Obviously, they all want to do well. But it's such an obstacle to conquer. It's just impressive.
His father added, "I think you can't prepare for this. I mean, this is the pinnacle of the sport. So, I don't think he's been this high before."
Professional world-class Muay Thai fighter and Worcester Technical High School graduate Aaron Ortiz was also in attendance for the send-off. Ortiz was calm and collected ahead of his fight.
"I'm not feeling too nervous," said Ortiz. "I'm excited to go out there and fight. I fought this guy two other times before this, so I'm excited for the third."
Ortiz said the support he's seen in recent weeks has given him a push ahead of his trip to Paris.
"...felt it through the community, through my family, friends, everybody," Ortiz said. "The amount of support has been awesome."
And the community is just as excited as the athletes. Members of the local business community joined Tuesday's send-off.
"Great for the community," said Tim Quinn of Quinn's Irish Pub.
"Community involvement is special," said Seth Pitts, president and CEO of BayState Savings Bank. "And these guys are going to really do something great for us on the global scale."
"We wish our Olympians the best of luck," said Vasilios Gjinis, owner of Specialty Sandwich Company Bar & Grill. "Bring the gold home!"