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Mapleton Today
By the People, for the People
Curling's New Cult Hero: Aidan Oldenburg Draws Comparisons to 'Pommel Horse Guy'
The 24-year-old U.S. curler shares uncanny resemblance to viral gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik, and the two have even connected over social media.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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U.S. curler Aidan Oldenburg, the 24-year-old lead of the U.S. men's curling team, is drawing comparisons to Stephen Nedoroscik, the eccentric gymnast known as the 'Pommel Horse Guy' from the 2024 Paris Olympics. Oldenburg and Nedoroscik share a striking physical resemblance, down to their brown hair and black glasses, as well as similar quirky hobbies like Rubik's Cube solving and juggling. Though the two have never officially met, they've connected over social media, with Nedoroscik wishing Oldenburg luck and even proposing a skills exchange.
Why it matters
Oldenburg's rise as a new Olympic cult hero mirrors the popularity of Nedoroscik, who went viral for his niche skillset and unassuming demeanor. Both athletes have captured the imagination of Olympic fans, demonstrating that breakout stars can come from any sport. Their connection also highlights the camaraderie and mutual appreciation between athletes from different disciplines.
The details
Oldenburg, an environmental scientist from Mapleton, Minnesota, has impressed with his performance as the lead of the U.S. men's curling team at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. His resemblance to Nedoroscik, from their appearance to their shared eccentric hobbies, has not gone unnoticed by Olympic fans. The two have connected over social media, with Nedoroscik offering words of encouragement and even proposing a skills exchange, with Oldenburg eager to learn gymnastics from the 'Pommel Horse Guy'.
- Nedoroscik gained fame for his bronze medal-clinching pommel horse routine at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are currently underway.
The players
Aidan Oldenburg
A 24-year-old environmental scientist from Mapleton, Minnesota, and the lead of the U.S. men's curling team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Stephen Nedoroscik
The eccentric gymnast known as the 'Pommel Horse Guy' who went viral for his bronze medal-clinching performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
What they’re saying
“I just want to say I came across your story and I think you're such a cool, interesting dude. You sound awesome. I just want to wish you the absolute best of luck out there. If you guys ever need a plus one on your curling team, feel free to reach out.”
— Stephen Nedoroscik (Social media)
“That message was awesome. I need a gymnastics lesson. I'll trade it for a curling lesson. You can join my league team next year. I actually did do gymnastics when I was eight for like two months. Maybe I can start back up and maybe I can get to the next summer Olympics with you.”
— Aidan Oldenburg (USA Curling's social media)
What’s next
The U.S. men's curling team, led by Aidan Oldenburg, will next take on Canada on Friday.
The takeaway
Oldenburg's rise as a new Olympic cult hero, mirroring the popularity of the 'Pommel Horse Guy' Nedoroscik, demonstrates that breakout stars can come from any sport and highlights the camaraderie and mutual appreciation between athletes from different disciplines.
