In a candid TikTok video shared on Saturday, April 4, Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and his longtime girlfriend Tess McCracken announced their breakup after nearly a decade together. The couple, who met as freshmen at Penn State University in 2016, parted ways at the beginning of January, according to McCracken, a 28-year-old former collegiate gymnast herself.
McCracken, addressing her followers directly in the video, explained the decision with a mix of reluctance and relief. "There’s not really a good way to make this video, so I’m just gonna say it, I guess. Stephen and I are no longer together," she said. "We haven’t been since the beginning of January." She noted that she had delayed the public announcement for a few months, but fan speculation—fueled by her cleaned-up social media presence and discussions on platforms like Reddit—made it impossible to keep private any longer.
The relationship between Nedoroscik, 27, and McCracken began when they were just 17 and 18 years old, blossoming during their time at Penn State where both pursued gymnastics. McCracken, who competed for the Nittany Lions, became a steadfast supporter of Nedoroscik's career, standing by him through major milestones. This included cheering from the stands during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Nedoroscik's pommel horse routine earned him a bronze medal and viral fame for his bespectacled, focused demeanor that earned him the nickname "Pommel Horse Guy."
Their bond was also evident during Nedoroscik's stint on season 33 of Dancing With the Stars, which aired in the fall of 2024. McCracken was often seen in the audience, offering encouragement as Nedoroscik traded flips for foxtrots. However, behind the scenes, the pressures of growing up and evolving priorities took their toll. In her video, McCracken emphasized that the split was amicable, dispelling rumors that had circulated online.
"I wasn’t really trying to hide it in the first place, but it’s weird to have to announce your breakup," McCracken said. She firmly denied any sensational elements, stating, "There wasn’t any drama, there wasn’t some big, blow-up fight where one of us stormed out, there wasn’t any cheating [and] neither of us came out as gay." She also rejected speculation about an engagement ultimatum, adding, "Absolutely none of that. There was no drama."
Instead, McCracken described the breakup as a natural progression of life stages. "It was really just time, and that sucks a lot. There’s really no other way to put it," she explained. "We were together for almost 10 years. We met and got together when we were 17 and 18, and we’re now 27 and 28. As it turns out, there are things that didn’t matter at 18 that matter when you’re in your later 20s."
Our [apartment] lease was up anyways in the middle of January, and so, it was just the time to make that call. I already handled a lot of his care, and Stephen is allergic to cats. It just worked out that way.
McCracken was referring to their shared pet cat, which she has taken primary custody of following the split. The timing aligned with the end of their lease in mid-January, providing a practical juncture for the change. Nedoroscik's allergy to cats, she noted, made the arrangement straightforward.
Reflecting on the divergence in their paths, McCracken highlighted how personal growth and shifting values played a role. "Life happens," she said simply, acknowledging that what once aligned no longer did as they entered their late 20s. The couple had navigated significant life events together, from college athletics to Nedoroscik's ascent to Olympic stardom, but ultimately, their individual journeys led them apart.
Public interest in their relationship surged after the Olympics, where Nedoroscik's performance not only contributed to the U.S. men's team bronze but also captivated audiences worldwide. His quirky pre-routine ritual of removing his glasses and entering a trance-like focus became a meme-worthy moment, boosting his profile. McCracken, who had been by his side through training and competitions, shared in the joy of those victories, but the spotlight may have amplified the scrutiny on their personal life.
During Dancing With the Stars, Nedoroscik's participation brought further attention to the couple. Reports from the show indicated that he did not practice routines at home with McCracken, opting instead for professional rehearsals. This detail, while minor, underscored their dynamic—supportive yet separate in certain pursuits. McCracken attended tapings and posted about his progress, but as the breakup timeline reveals, cracks may have been forming even then.
Fan reactions to the announcement have been mixed, with many expressing sympathy on social media. Threads on Reddit, which McCracken referenced, speculated wildly before the official word, ranging from infidelity rumors to pressure from Nedoroscik's rising fame. Yet, McCracken’s video aimed to set the record straight, emphasizing mutual respect.
Looking ahead, McCracken shared an optimistic outlook for herself. "All this to say, [my cat] and I are doing well," she said. "It’s been a few months now in a new apartment. … I’m really just getting back into things that I want to do when just rediscovering what those things are, exploring the city a bit more [and] really just trying to come to terms with who I am and what I enjoy doing when there’s not someone else to consider."
She extended well-wishes to her ex, concluding the video on a positive note: "There’s no bad blood. I want to see him succeed in everything, but the way that support is coming has to be different now." Nedoroscik has not publicly commented on the breakup as of this reporting, but sources close to the gymnast indicate he is focusing on upcoming competitions and personal projects.
The split comes at a pivotal time for Nedoroscik, whose Olympic success has opened doors in entertainment and endorsements. As he prepares for potential future events, including the 2028 Los Angeles Games, the end of this long-term relationship marks a new chapter. For McCracken, the announcement signals a period of self-discovery after years of partnership.
In the broader context of athlete relationships, such breakups are not uncommon, especially under the intense pressures of elite sports and public life. Nedoroscik and McCracken's story, from college sweethearts to Olympic supporters, reflects the challenges of sustaining young love amid evolving careers and personal growth. As fans process the news, both individuals appear poised to move forward with grace and goodwill.