Stephen Nedoroscik, Gabby Thomas, and other athletes make their feelings known towards Hoda Kotb as she bids adieu to Today Show

Stephen Nedoroscik, Gabby Thomas, Lindsey Vonn, and Mikaela Shiffrin sent heartfelt messages to Hoda Kotb as she bid adieu to the Today Show. Kotb appeared in her final episode of the Today show on Friday, January 10.

Along with co-anchoring the Today Show from 2018, Kotb also co-anchored the Fourth Hour of Today Show since 2007 and served as Deadline NBC correspondent since 1998. She has covered multiple Olympics, consistently showing support for Team USA.

Kotb also attended the Paris Olympics and was seen interviewing Simone Biles after the legendary gymnast dominated the all-around event. Citing her steadfast support to the team over the years, Team USA athletes expressed their gratitude and admiration.

Pommel Horse medalist Stephen Nedoroscik reflected on the moment when the former Today Show host lent her sunglasses to him and said:

"I just want to say thank you so much for being so kind to Team USA. Not only at Paris, but so may Olympics. In fact you were so kind to me that you even let me keep you glasses and that meant so so much to me. I want to tell on behalf of everyone on Team USA, you are so kind and we are going to miss you."

Paris Olympics' three-peat champion Gabby Thomas said:

"I wanted to say thank you so much for supporting Team USA over the years and cheering on us at the Games. You are awesome and we'll miss you so much."

While stating that Kotb will be missed on the show, Mikaela Shiffrin said:

"Thank you so much for all of your support and encouragement over the years for all of Team USA and thank you so much for always spreading kindness and compassion on air."

Calling her Gym Mom, Jordan Chiles expressed her gratitude, saying:

"Thank you so much for being an amazing support to Team USA's gymnastics team and being an amazing gym mom. Team USA Gym Mom forever."

Stephen Nedoroscik reveals how he performs pommel horse without his glasses

Stephen Nedoroscik at the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris. (Source: Getty)

Stephen Nedoroscik suffers from strabismus and coloboma leading to high sensitivity to light and requiring him to wear glasses all the time.

However, the gymnast opts to perform his routine on the pommel horse without glasses. In an interview with Today.com, he described his experience of performing his routine without glasses.

“It’s not necessarily clear, but the thing about pommel horse is if I keep them on, they’re gonna fly somewhere," he said. "When I go up on the pommel horse, it’s all about feeling the equipment. I don’t even really see when I’m doing my gymnastics. It’s all in the hands — I can feel everything.”

Stephen Nedoroscik made waves after securing two medals at the Paris Games by competing on the apparatus.