The Untold Story Of Stephen Nedoroscik’s Girlfriend: 5 Fascinating Facts About Tess McCracken And Their Decade-Long Romance

The Olympic spotlight often shines intensely on the athletes, but behind every successful competitor, there is usually a strong support system. For artistic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik, the breakout star known affectionately as the "Pommel Horse Guy," that unwavering support comes from his long-term girlfriend, Tess McCracken. As of late 2025, their relationship remains one of the most enduring and heartwarming stories in the world of elite sports, a partnership that has blossomed over nearly a decade.

Their relationship has garnered significant public interest following Nedoroscik’s medal-winning performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics and his subsequent appearance on "Dancing with the Stars." This article delves into the fresh details of their romance, Tess McCracken’s own athletic background, and the key elements that make their Penn State love story so compelling and current.

Stephen Nedoroscik: Complete Biographical Profile

• Full Name: Stephen Ned Nedoroscik
• Date of Birth: October 28, 1998
• Age (as of late 2025): 27
• Place of Birth: Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Primary Discipline: Artistic Gymnastics (Specializing in Pommel Horse)
• Nickname: "Pommel Horse Guy" or "Pommel Horse Steve"
• Education: Penn State University (Penn State Nittany Lions)
• Career Highlights:
  • Olympic Medalist (Team Event, Paris 2024)
  • World Champion (Pommel Horse, 2021)
  • First American to win a World Championship gold medal on pommel horse.
  • Appeared on "Dancing with the Stars."
  • Competed on the Gold Over America Tour.
• Relationship Status: In a long-term relationship with Tess McCracken.

The Enduring College Sweetheart Story: Stephen and Tess

The foundation of Stephen Nedoroscik and Tess McCracken’s relationship is a genuine college meet-cute that has stood the test of time. Their love story began on a very specific and memorable date: July 4, 2016, a day they met during their freshman orientation at Penn State University. This long-term commitment is a rare and refreshing sight in the often-turbulent world of professional sports, demonstrating a deep bond that predates Nedoroscik's massive rise to Olympic fame and his viral "Pommel Horse Guy" status.

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The couple’s shared history as student-athletes at Penn State is a core part of their connection. While Stephen competed for the men's gymnastics team, Tess was a member of the Penn State Women's Gymnastics team. This mutual understanding of the demanding schedule, intense pressure, and dedication required for elite gymnastics has provided them with a unique level of empathy and support for one another's careers. They were not just dating; they were navigating the rigorous life of a Division I athlete together.

Their nearly decade-long romance has evolved from college sweethearts to a supportive partnership that was front and center during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Tess was a constant presence, cheering him on as he helped the U.S. men's team secure a medal, an achievement that catapulted Nedoroscik into global stardom. Her emotional posts and public support on social media solidified her role as his number one fan, offering a glimpse into their playful and loving dynamic.

5 Fascinating Facts About Stephen Nedoroscik’s Girlfriend, Tess McCracken

While Stephen Nedoroscik has become a household name, his girlfriend, Tess McCracken, is a fascinating figure in her own right. Her background and continued support are key to understanding the gymnast’s success.

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1. She Was a Competitive Gymnast at Penn State

Like Stephen, Tess McCracken was a high-level gymnast, competing for the Penn State Nittany Lions women's team. Her full name is Tess Anneliese McCracken, and she was born on January 27, 1998. She specialized in events such as the vault and floor exercise. Her own career as a gymnast, which concluded with her retirement in 2020, means she possesses an intimate knowledge of the sport's demands, allowing her to offer Stephen unparalleled emotional and technical support.

2. Their Relationship Started on Independence Day

Their relationship officially began on July 4, 2016, during their freshman orientation at Penn State. This long-term commitment is a testament to the strength of their bond, as they have been together through the entirety of his college career, his transition to professional elite gymnastics, his World Championship victory, and his Olympic journey.

3. Tess Is a Social Media Star and Stephen's Biggest Cheerleader

Tess McCracken has developed a significant following on social media, where she frequently shares playful and supportive content about Stephen's life and career. Her posts often feature behind-the-scenes looks at their life, including their shared pets, such as their cat named Kyushu, which is named after the place in Japan where Nedoroscik won a major competition. This openness has allowed fans to connect with them as a couple, not just as individual athletes.

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4. She Supported His ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Journey

Following his Olympic success, Stephen Nedoroscik joined the cast of "Dancing with the Stars." Tess was a vocal and enthusiastic supporter throughout his time on the show. While his professional dance partner was Rylee Arnold, Tess's public encouragement highlighted her commitment to celebrating all aspects of his burgeoning public career, from the pommel horse to the ballroom.

5. The Couple Shares a Deep Connection to the Gymnastics Community

Beyond their personal relationship, both Stephen and Tess remain deeply embedded in the gymnastics community. Their shared experience at Penn State, where they were both part of the Nittany Lions athletic program, means their network and friendships overlap significantly. This shared world strengthens their topical authority and relevance within the sport, as they continue to be a prominent power couple in the world of American artistic gymnastics.

The Future for the Pommel Horse Power Couple

As Stephen Nedoroscik continues to build on his Olympic and World Championship success, his long-term partner, Tess McCracken, remains an essential figure in his life. Their relationship is a perfect example of a supportive athletic partnership, grounded in a shared history and mutual respect for the demands of elite competition. The longevity of their romance, which is approaching a full decade, suggests a strong foundation for their future.

Fans eagerly follow their journey, looking for updates on their personal milestones, whether it’s Tess cheering him on at major gymnastics events or their next playful social media interaction. The "Pommel Horse Guy" may be known for his unique skill and personality, but his enduring love story with Tess McCracken adds a relatable and heartwarming layer to his public persona, making them one of the most beloved couples in current sports news.

Their story is a powerful reminder that stability and deep personal connection can thrive even under the intense pressure of the international sports stage. The latest updates confirm that their bond is as strong as ever, with Tess continuing to be his rock as he navigates the next phase of his career, cementing their status as a true power couple in the world of gymnastics and popular culture.