Stephen Nedoroscik is embracing life in the spotlight, thanks to the unwavering support of his girlfriend, Tess McCracken, and his Dancing with the Stars partner, Rylee Arnold. Following the October 8 episode of the popular competition show, the Olympic gymnast shared insights into his off-stage life, highlighting the strong bonds he has formed.
“My girlfriend is staying out here in L.A. with me,” Nedoroscik, 25, told PEOPLE. “We have our kitty as well, so it’s like we brought the entire house with us, and she’s just overwhelmingly supportive. I’m really appreciative of her.”
When not rehearsing their dance routines, Nedoroscik, McCracken, and Arnold, 19, enjoy hosting game nights together. Arnold expressed her enjoyment of these gatherings, stating, “Oh yes, we do game nights. Tess is the best. We get along so well, too, so it’s so fun.”
Jokingly, Arnold added, “I crush him in every game” of Uno, emphasizing her delight in the camaraderie they share outside the ballroom. She appreciates having a partner with whom she can bond off the dance floor, saying, “We really are having so much fun together,” while Nedoroscik praised her as the “greatest coach ever.”
Nedoroscik and McCracken’s relationship dates back to the summer before their first year at Penn State, where they met while competing on their respective gymnastics teams. Throughout Nedoroscik’s Olympic journey and his current stint on DWTS, McCracken has been a steadfast presence in his life.
In July, she celebrated their anniversary with a heartfelt Instagram post featuring lyrics from Taylor Swift’s “Lover”: “I’ve loved you ✨8✨ summers now, honey, but I want ‘em all. Happy Anniversary, my love. What an amazing adventure we’re having❤️.”
After Nedoroscik won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics—marking the first medal for the U.S. men’s gymnastics team since 2008—McCracken shared a touching message on social media: “History = Made,” she wrote, expressing pride in her partner’s historic achievement. “The most insane, magical day watching you close it out to bring home the first team medal for USA in sixteen years🇺🇸 Words can’t capture how proud I am of you❤️.”
As Nedoroscik continues to compete on Dancing with the Stars, his strong support system remains a vital part of his journey.
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