Exploring Olympic Star Stephen Nedoroscik’s Bond With Girlfriend Tess

On July 29, 2024, Stephen Nedoroscik, alongside teammates Asher Hong, Paul Juda, Brody Malone, and Frederick Richard, propelled the USA’s men’s artistic gymnastics team to a bronze medal. Known online as “Pommel horse guy,” the 25-year-old performed last in the rotation, excelling in his specialized event. Nedoroscik, previously an underdog, secured the Americans a podium spot for the first time since 2008. Additionally, he earned an individual bronze medal in the Pommel horse competition on August 3, becoming the only American male gymnast to medal individually in 2024.

Among those cheering him on was his girlfriend of eight years, Tess McCracken. The couple, who met on Penn State University’s gymnastics team, have been inseparable since college. McCracken described Nedoroscik as “goofy” and “lighthearted,” noting that he “always sees the bright side of things.” His cheerful attitude has not only supported his athletic career but also endeared him to the online community, spawning numerous memes and jokes during the games.

Obsessed with this guy on the US men’s gymnastics team whose only job is pommel horse, so he just sits there until he’s activated like a sleeper agent, whips off his glasses like Clark Kent and does a pommel horse routine that helps deliver the team its first medal in 16 years. pic.twitter.com/0D1ZqJjFa1

— Megan 📚 (@MegWritesBooks) July 29, 2024

Nedoroscik, with his noticeable glasses and distinctive jawline, has been compared to Clark Kent, while McCracken has embraced the Lois Lane analogy. The pair have enjoyed the newfound attention, with McCracken engaging actively with the online community. She told NBC News that going viral was an “unexpected side effect” but has enjoyed seeing the public’s reactions and actively retweeting many memes about her boyfriend.

McCracken even changed her X account handle to @stephens_gf, proudly displaying the nickname “Ms. Pommel Horse” in her bio. The couple’s charm has even caught the attention of official Olympic social media accounts. NBC Olympics and Paralympics TikTok shared a playful video featuring Nedoroscik, and USA Gymnastics’ X account tweeted “Not all heroes wear capes,” to which McCracken cleverly added, “Some wear glasses.”

Despite enjoying her moment in the media spotlight, Tess McCracken’s primary focus remains supporting Stephen Nedoroscik. She recalled feeling lightheaded from cheering as she watched him perform, her mind filled with a single mantra: “Stay on the horse.” Her Instagram burst with pride after the team’s historic win, sharing a heartfelt caption alongside a photo of the couple that read, “History = Made. 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.”

Just before the Olympics began, the couple commemorated their anniversary with a photo in front of the Olympic rings. Nedoroscik posted the picture on July 4, captioning it with gratitude for McCracken’s support. “What a lucky man I am to have you by my side throughout this journey. I can’t imagine where I’d be without you supporting me every day. Happy 8 years, Tess. I love you.” The couple’s deep bond is clear, and with his successful career, their journey together promises even more memorable moments.