5 Surprising Facts About Stephen Nedoroscik's Girlfriend, Tess McCracken: The Love Story Of 'Pommel Horse Steve'

The internet sensation known as 'Pommel Horse Steve' is officially off the market. Following his viral success and Olympic bronze medal win at the 2024 Paris Games, the curiosity surrounding Stephen Nedoroscik’s personal life, particularly his dating status, skyrocketed. As of December 10, 2025, the gymnast is in a long-term, committed relationship with fellow former athlete, Tess McCracken, a former Penn State gymnast who has been his rock since their college days.

Their relationship is a true collegiate love story, having started nearly a decade ago. Tess McCracken has been a visible and vocal supporter of Nedoroscik, celebrating his historic achievements, including his 2021 World Championship title and his recent Olympic success. Their joint appearances, such as at the 2024 Emmy Awards, have cemented their status as one of gymnastics' most beloved power couples.

Stephen Nedoroscik: The 'Pommel Horse Specialist' Biography and Career Highlights

Stephen Nedoroscik, born on October 29, 1998, in Worcester, Massachusetts, has solidified his legacy as one of the world's elite artistic gymnasts. He is a specialist on the pommel horse, an apparatus where he has achieved historic success for the United States.

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• Full Name: Stephen John Nedoroscik OLY
• Date of Birth: October 29, 1998
• Hometown: Worcester, Massachusetts
• Nickname: 'Pommel Horse Steve' or 'Steve the pommel horse guy'
• Education: Penn State University (Engineering Degree)
• Specialty: Pommel Horse Specialist

Major Career Achievements

Nedoroscik's career is marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements, particularly on the pommel horse, a notoriously difficult event for American gymnasts.

• 2024 Olympic Bronze Medalist: He secured the bronze medal on the pommel horse at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
• 2021 World Champion: He became the first and only American gymnast to ever win a World Championship title on the pommel horse.
• U.S. National Champion: A four-time U.S. pommel horse champion, winning consecutively from 2021 to 2024.
• Collegiate Honors: He won the prestigious 2020 Nissen-Emery Award, given to the nation's top senior gymnast. He also won two NCAA national titles on the pommel horse in 2017 and 2018 while at Penn State.
• International Success: He is a two-time FIG World Cup winner, further establishing his dominance on the apparatus globally.

5 Surprising Facts About Stephen Nedoroscik's Girlfriend, Tess McCracken

While Stephen Nedoroscik has become a viral star, his long-term girlfriend, Tess McCracken, has a compelling story of her own. She is much more than just the person cheering him on from the stands; she is a dedicated athlete and a key figure in his personal support system.

1. She is a Former Collegiate Gymnast for Penn State

Tess McCracken’s connection to gymnastics runs deep. She was a competitive gymnast herself, specializing in women's artistic gymnastics at Penn State University, the same institution where Stephen competed. Born on January 27, 1998, in Plano, Texas, Tess was a dedicated athlete who chose Penn State because of the immediate sense of community she felt on campus. Her shared background in the demanding world of elite gymnastics provides a unique foundation for their relationship, allowing her to truly understand the pressures of his career.

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2. They Met on Their Very First Day of College Orientation

The couple’s love story began in 2017, before they even started their freshman year. They first crossed paths during college orientation at Penn State, a serendipitous meeting that quickly blossomed into a long-term relationship. This origin story highlights the depth and longevity of their bond, which has survived the intense training schedules and international travel demands of professional sports. Their relationship pre-dates Nedoroscik’s viral fame, providing a stable anchor throughout his rise to Olympic and World Championship status.

3. Tess Supported Him Through the Emotional 2024 Olympics

Tess McCracken was a crucial part of Nedoroscik's support team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her emotional investment in his performance was palpable, as she confessed in an interview that she "almost fainted" while watching his bronze medal-winning routine. This moment perfectly captured the intense, shared experience of an Olympic journey. Her unconditional support and presence were vital as Nedoroscik navigated the high-stakes environment of the Games.

4. She is a Texas Native with a Close-Knit Family

Tess Anneliese McCracken was born and raised in Plano, Texas, to parents Broderick and Nancy McCracken. She has an older brother, Dalton, and a younger sister. Her family background, which is detailed in her Penn State biography, paints a picture of a supportive environment that fostered her own athletic career and personal values. This detail adds another layer to her personal entity, showing her roots outside of her relationship with the famous gymnast.

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5. Their Shared Success Extends to the Red Carpet

Following the Paris Olympics, the couple made a high-profile appearance at the 2024 Emmy Awards in September, where they posed together on the red carpet. This public outing demonstrated their shared celebrity status and their comfort in the spotlight as a couple. Their attendance at the Emmys, a major entertainment event, was a clear sign that 'Pommel Horse Steve' and his girlfriend are embracing their new level of fame, moving beyond the gymnastics arena and into mainstream pop culture.

The Future for the Gymnastics Power Couple

The relationship between Stephen Nedoroscik and Tess McCracken is a testament to the power of shared experience and mutual support. Their journey began as young athletes at Penn State and has evolved into a partnership that navigates the pressures of Olympic fame and professional life. The stability of their long-term bond, dating back to 2017, is a refreshing narrative in the often-turbulent world of celebrity.

As Nedoroscik continues his career as a pommel horse specialist, with his sights potentially set on future World Championships and Olympic cycles, Tess McCracken will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of his personal and professional life. Their story is a powerful example of how a shared passion and a deep, enduring connection can provide the foundation for success, both on the pommel horse and off the red carpet. Fans eagerly await the next chapter in the lives of 'Pommel Horse Steve' and his 'Ms. Pommel Horse,' Tess McCracken.