Stephen Nedoroscik, a name that’s been making waves in the world of gymnastics, recently celebrated his birthday with none other than his longtime girlfriend, Tess McCracken. Known for being his biggest cheerleader and constant support, Tess is more than just a fan of his talent—she’s been there since his early days at Penn State, witnessing his growth from a promising college gymnast to a celebrated Olympian. Their relationship is a story of shared dreams, teamwork, and unwavering support that blossomed in college and grew stronger through the years. Here’s a look at their journey from college romance to Olympic celebrations.
College Beginnings: How It All Started
Stephen Nedoroscik and Tess McCracken met during the summer of 2016 at Penn State, where they both joined as freshmen and gymnasts. As part of the men’s and women’s gymnastics teams, their paths naturally crossed. They connected quickly, finding common ground not just in gymnastics but also in their quirky personalities. Reflecting on those early days, Stephen described Tess as “cool” and “a little weird like me,” which sparked an immediate bond. Their friendship evolved swiftly, and within a week, they started dating—a connection that would stand the test of time.
Tess, The Support System: Cheering for Stephen’s Victories
Tess McCracken has been a consistent presence by Stephen’s side, cheering him on from the college meets to his achievements on the world stage. Most recently, during the 2024 Paris Olympics, Tess was there to celebrate Stephen’s historic contribution to the Team USA gymnastics squad, helping them clinch their first Olympic team medal in 16 years. Stephen competed as the final gymnast on the pommel horse, securing the bronze for the USA alongside his teammates Brody Malone, Fred Richard, Asher Hong, and Paul Juda.
Following this achievement, Tess shared her excitement and pride on social media, captioning a heartfelt message, “History = Made. Words can’t capture how proud I am of you.” It wasn’t just a moment of triumph for Stephen; it was also a moment for Tess to revel in his success as his unwavering support.
Social Media Moments: A Peek into Their Relationship
One of the ways Stephen and Tess keep fans updated on their relationship is through their social media posts, capturing milestones, special occasions, and the quiet moments that make their bond unique. Tess often takes to Instagram to share glimpses of their journey, posting throwbacks and celebratory posts that highlight their love story. In October 2024, Tess shared a heartfelt post to celebrate Stephen’s birthday, calling him her “favorite person” and expressing her love for the unforgettable experiences they’ve shared over the past year. Stephen’s response in the comments, “Such a fun year, love you too ❤️,” showcases the warmth and closeness of their relationship.
Their lighthearted exchanges reveal a playful side too. In August 2024, after Stephen appeared on popular shows like Today and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon following his Olympic victory, Tess shared their experience with a touch of humor. She jokingly mentioned that she was still adjusting to his fame, saying, “I’ll take ‘There’s No Way This is Real Life’ for $1000.” Stephen, not one to miss an opportunity for fun, humorously admitted that Tess was a bit tired of him showing off his medals at home.
Red Carpet Ready: Making Appearances Together
This year, the couple made a stylish appearance together at the 2024 Emmys, a public outing that highlighted their close bond and the support they offer each other. Stephen looked sharp in a black tuxedo, while Tess turned heads in a stunning black velvet dress, proving that they’re not just partners in the gym world but also a great pair on the red carpet.
Celebrating Anniversaries Through the Years
Stephen and Tess’s relationship has grown stronger with each passing year, marked by thoughtful gestures and shared memories. On their seventh anniversary in 2023, Stephen dedicated a post to Tess, expressing gratitude for the years they’ve spent together and how time has flown by in their relationship. On Instagram, he wrote, “Happy 7 years with this beautiful woman. It’s crazy how time flies when you love someone ❤️.” This sentiment of appreciating each other and the passage of time reflects the depth of their relationship.
Tess has also marked special occasions in their journey. In 2022, she celebrated Stephen’s birthday with an encouraging message, acknowledging his accomplishments and the unwavering support she’s given him through their relationship. Each year, they’ve shared similar posts that highlight their growth both as individuals and as a couple.
Humble Beginnings: The Early Days
Their journey hasn’t been limited to the spotlight. In earlier years, during competitions and college days, the two were often apart due to commitments and the demands of their sport. But even then, their Instagram posts from anniversaries in 2018 and 2019 captured their bond, as they acknowledged their anniversaries and sent each other love even from afar. On their third anniversary in 2019, Stephen, unable to be with Tess due to a gymnastics competition, shared a post expressing how much he missed her, saying, “Today is a really important day. Independence Day, FISU preliminaries, but most importantly today is me and @tess.mccracken’s third anniversary.”
Looking Ahead: A Shared Future
From meeting as college freshmen and navigating the challenges of a long-term relationship in the world of competitive gymnastics to celebrating Olympic victories, Stephen Nedoroscik and Tess McCracken have built a life together based on mutual support and understanding. Their journey is an inspiring reminder of the strength that comes from having a steadfast partner by your side, through both triumphs and the everyday moments in between.
With each new chapter, Stephen and Tess continue to celebrate their love and the shared dreams that have defined their relationship since they first met at Penn State. And as they look to the future, there’s no doubt that they’ll continue to support each other with the same dedication that has carried them this far.
