Move Over Pommel Horse Guy: Curler Aidan Oldenburg Becomes New Olympic Sensation
The United States has discovered another bespectacled Olympic breakout star who is captivating fans worldwide. American curler Aidan Oldenburg, with his distinctive mop of dark hair and signature red headband, has drawn immediate comparisons to Stephen Nedoroscik, the eccentric gymnast who became famous as "Pommel Horse Guy" after his bronze medal performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Headband That Started a Movement
Switch on the curling coverage from the Milan Cortina Winter Games and you cannot miss 24-year-old Oldenburg, whose flowing red Rambo-style headband has become the centerpiece of Team USA's celebrations. After making significant shots, the American men's curling team performs a distinctive celebration where they drag their fingers across their foreheads and point to the crowd.
"You'll see us drag our fingers across the forehead and point to the crowd," Oldenburg explained. "Yeah, it's a really fun thing."
What began as a lighthearted experiment has transformed into a genuine phenomenon. Oldenburg revealed he started wearing the headband "as a bit of a joke" in August after his team was eliminated from a curling tournament. With two games remaining, he decided to purchase headbands for the entire team to inject some fun into their final matches.
From Joke to Olympic Tradition
The headband experiment proved successful beyond expectation. Oldenburg continued wearing it when his team, skipped by Danny Casper, won the U.S. Olympic trials and then during the Olympic qualification event in December that secured the Americans their spot in Italy.
"I was like, 'Got to keep it going after that,'" Oldenburg said with a smile.
The accessory serves practical purposes too. As the muscular lead for Team Casper, Oldenburg performs extensive sweeping during matches, which generates considerable sweat.
"No one else has the hair for it on our team," Oldenburg noted. "My hair used to be longer than this. It's all like a kind of utility and, honestly, it's so hot out there in the arena, it helps to keep the sweat out of my eyes."
A Fan Movement Takes Shape
Curling enthusiasts across the United States have enthusiastically embraced the headband trend, organizing watch parties during the Winter Games while sporting their own versions of Oldenburg's signature look. Inside the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, fans were spotted wearing similar headbands during Team USA's thrilling 8-7 victory over Czechia in their opening men's competition match.
Oldenburg believes the headband provides an accessible way for supporters to connect with the team.
"They don't have easy access to team uniforms and stuff like that," he observed. "In other sports like football or baseball, you go buy your favorite player's uniform and wear it in the stands. The headband, it's nice and it's cheap. It's pretty fun, too."
Pommel Horse Guy's Seal of Approval
Even Stephen Nedoroscik himself has endorsed the new Olympic sensation. The gymnastics star sent a video message to Oldenburg, which USA Curling posted on Wednesday.
"I just want to say I came across your story," Nedoroscik said in the video, "and I found you to be such a cool, interesting dude."
The admiration appears mutual, with Nedoroscik even offering his services: "If you guys ever need a plus one on your curling team, feel free to reach out."
Beyond the Ice: An Unusual Skill Set
Oldenburg's talents extend far beyond the curling sheet. The environmental scientist, who works on permitting for wind and solar projects, possesses some extraordinary hobbies. He has been known to juggle machetes and flaming torches with his brother, and he's also quite skilled with a yoyo.
On the ice, Oldenburg brings tremendous energy to Team USA's young rink, which includes teammates Ben Richardson and Luc Violette alongside skip Danny Casper. During their match against Czechia, Oldenburg could be seen whooping and hollering after big shots and winning ends, clearly enjoying the Olympic experience.
"We love curling when it's loud out there in the stands," he said. "The energy, we feed off it."
With his distinctive look, engaging personality, and connection to the previous Olympic sensation, Aidan Oldenburg has established himself as one of the most compelling stories emerging from the Milan Cortina Winter Games.
