After dazzling viewers for nearly two decades with its iconic mix of sequins, emotion, and spectacle, Dancing with the Stars has their 20th anniversary, and emotions are running high. Rylee Arnold, one of the youngest pros to ever grace the ballroom, recently poured her heart out in a moving tribute to the show. But it wasn’t just about her love for the stage. It was also about her time dancing alongside Olympic gold medalist Stephen Nedoroscik, a pairing no one saw coming, but one that fans grew to adore. And now, in response to her heartfelt message, Stephen’s own two-word reply says everything.

For a gymnast known for still rings and sticking landings, ballroom dancing wasn’t exactly second nature. “I really have no experience,” Stephen admitted, reflecting on his unexpected DWTS journey. “The only dance experience I have, fun fact, is THON 2017,” he shared. Recalling the 46-hour Penn State dance marathon supporting pediatric cancer. Yet that memory, the roar of the crowd, and the joy of movement were what ultimately pulled him onto Season 33. Now, with the show behind them and the ballroom lights dimmed, the bond between Rylee and Stephen remains as strong as ever, sealed in emotion and powerful words.

Stephen took to Instagram Stories, reposting a video that Rylee Arnold had shared earlier with the message, “Miss this!!” The clip was from their stunning freestyle performance in Season 33 of Dancing With the Stars. A routine drenched in emotion, chemistry, and artistry. Rylee, too, couldn’t help but get nostalgic, calling it her favorite memory of the entire season. Her caption read, “Happy 20 years to @dancingwiththestars 🥹✨🥳 I have grown up watching this show since I was a little girl and have always dreamt of being apart of it one day!” The moment was more than just a celebration of the show’s legacy. It was a raw, heartfelt reminder of how dreams can transform into real, tangible magic on the dance floor.

Her caption continued, “I’m so grateful for all the things this show has taught me and the many amazing experiences that have come with it!!” And watching her glide and spin alongside Stephen in that video, it’s easy to see why. This wasn’t just about learning steps—it was about forging trust, resilience, and unforgettable memories. “I am forever grateful for this show and I constantly pinch myself every day when I’m reminded I’m doing my dream job 🫶🏼,” she concluded. The emotion in her words mirrored the intensity of their performance, the same one Stephen couldn’t help but repost with pride. That performance, under the blue lights and raw vulnerability, wasn’t just their peak. It was their signature.

And yet, Stephen’s journey had been far from predictable. “For the last eight years or so, these legs have done nothing,” he once joked. Half-humbling, half-nervous about his lack of dancing experience. At first, he questioned everything: “I don’t know how good I am at dance, I don’t know how people are going to perceive it…” But despite the nerves, Stephen, the self-proclaimed “Pommel Horse guy,” went on to deliver week after week, finally landing a top-four finish in the season. He had dropped another exciting update on May 29. Stephen himself revealed a personal milestone, proving once again. This gymnast-turned-dancer is just getting started.

Stephen Nedoroscik celebrates major win while eyeing his next big move

Just when fans thought Stephen Nedoroscik’s DWTS journey had reached its grand finale, he stunned once again. This time off the dance floor. At the Critics Choice Real TV Awards, the Olympic gymnast was crowned Male Star of the Year, a title he humbly celebrated via Instagram Stories with the words, “Feeling so blessed right now Thank you.” The same athlete who was once unsure about swapping pommel horse routines for paso dobles had now danced his way to stardom. His DWTS partner, Rylee Arnold, couldn’t hold back her pride either. Reacting to the official post, she commented, “So deserving I’m so proud 😭” and amped up the excitement with “YES STEPHEN!!!!!!!! Let’s go!!!!! 🥹🥹🥹”

Naturally, Stephen made sure to acknowledge her role in his transformation, giving her a heartfelt shoutout in his acceptance speech. Despite admitting that Dancing with the Stars was out of his “comfort zone,” Nedoroscik’s season-long evolution made a powerful impression on audiences and the numbers don’t lie. Season 33 closed out with a finale rating of 1.14 in the key 18-49 demographic, the best in seven years. But while the ballroom lights have dimmed, the gym lights are shining brighter than ever. In early May, Stephen confirmed he had renewed his contract with EVO Gymnastics and shortly after, USA Gymnastics officially named him to the roster for the upcoming Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships.

From reality TV accolades to elite competition confirmations, 2025 is quickly becoming the year of Stephen. Back in his element, Stephen has been reigniting his training with a series of intense pommel horse sessions. On May 18, he shared a particularly raw update that featured not just clean swings but also a couple of hard falls. “Gymnastics is hard and scary,” he admitted in the caption but also reminded fans that failure is simply part of the process. With less than six months until the World Championships, Nedoroscik isn’t racing toward perfection. He’s steadily building it. Whether it’s on polished wood floors or in chalk-covered gyms, Stephen is proving that no arena is too unfamiliar when you’re willing to put in the work.