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NEED TO KNOW
- Stephen Nedoroscik has fans convinced he's competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics because of a Team USA curler who looks exactly like him
- The bronze medalist gymnast's looks and charismatic personality are nearly identical to the winter sport athlete, who's making his Olympic debut this year
- Nedoroscik surprised Aidan Oldenburg, the Team USA curler, and fans with a fun video call
Stephen Nedoroscik has reentered the chat.
The 27-year-old Team USA gymnast, whose coined "Pummel Horse Guy" nickname went as viral as his standout athletic abilities during the 2024 Paris Olympics, has fans convinced he's currently competing in the 2026 Winter Games, which are underway in Milan.
Imagine an athlete who looks exactly like Nedoroscik — black-rimmed eyeglasses, thick brown hair and a gaze of concentration that only a fierce Olympic competitor at the height of their game can lock into as they strive to medal for the United States — but instead of gymnastics, he curls.
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One quick glance at the winter athlete will validate fans for thinking Nedoroscik is a dual athlete, a master at both the pommel horse and the ice with a sweeping broom in hand. In short, the Olympic curler in question is not Nedoroscik — but rather 24-year-old Aidan Oldenburg, his declared doppelgänger.
Oldenburg, a Minnesota native who's dreamed of becoming an Olympian since pursuing the sport at age 10, joined Team USA as lead after qualifying in 2025. He's also a talented juggler, a side hobby he wears on his sleeve.
Olympic fans noticed the resemblance to Nedoroscik since Oldenburg entered the scene — near-identical looks, niche hobbies (the bronze medalist gymnast was an avid Rubik's Cube solver, remember?) and all.
After comments poured in on social media about the athletes' resemblance, Team USA satisfied fans with a surprise: They connected the curler and gymnast via video call for a virtual face-to-face introduction shared on Instagram.
"I came across your story, and I find you to be such a cool, interesting dude," Nedoroscik told Oldenburg on the call. "You juggle, I do the Rubik's cube. You wear a headband, which kind of started off as a gag thing, like a joke."
"I wear this Rec Specs," he continued. "And have worn them basically my whole career, and they don't even have prescription, but find functionality in them. But anyways dude, you sound awesome, and I just want to wish you the absolute best of luck out there."
Odd ANDERSEN / AFP via Getty
Nedoroscik added, "And if you ever need a plus one on your curling team, feel free to reach out!"
Oldenburg thanked the gymnast for his "awesome" message and told him he'd trade a curling lesson for a gymnastics lesson. He noted that he practiced gymnastics for a bit when he was 8 years old, and jokingly put forth the idea of qualifying for the next summer Olympics with him.
"We can talk about it later," he signed off with a smile.
This Instagram comment section of the video popped off.
"My summer Olympics king and a guy I've never heard of today and now I'm obsessed with your potential bromance. Please make this happen and document it for public consumption. We need you 🙏🏻," wrote one user.
Kristy Sparow/Getty
"This was not on my 2026 bingo card 😂," joked another.
"The collab the world needs right now! 🫶" commented a third user.
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"Golden Retriever x Golden Retriever ❤️," wrote a fourth.
"the crossover i’ve been waiting for!!!" penned another.
To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, come to people.com to check out ongoing coverage before, during and after the games. Watch the Milan-Cortina Olympics and Paralympics, beginning Feb. 6, on NBC and Peacock.
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