After a successful Parisian campaign earlier this year, Stephen Nedoroscik is standing on the verge of yet another seminal milestone in his life. With pro dancer Rylee Arnold by his side, the Olympic gymnast has reached the final round of Dancing With The Stars, and could well add another feather to his cap next Tuesday. But it’s not just the Penn State alum who is feeling the thrill at what lies ahead of him at the season finale of the 33rd season of the dancing show.

Last year too, Arnold was part of the show. However, Rylee and her dancing partner Harry Jowsey were eliminated in November. But this time, both her and Nedoroscik have been on a blazing run and are looking like a strong contender to win the top title. As the big rumble approaches, Arnold can’t help but remember how her younger self would’ve been elated by where she stands right now.

Rylee Arnold’s love for dancing was apparent at an early age

In her latest TikTok upload from November 22, the 19-yea-old shared a cute recreation of herself as a kid who can be seen dancing away without much care for the world. The homemade video is accompanied side by side with the grown-up Rylee who retraces her steps at the DWTS studio. But she also confessed that the young Arnold was much better at carrying off the steps than she is now, saying, “i don’t think i could ever match the 4 year old rylee sass!!!” 

In her social media update, Arnold also highlighted why being a finalist at this year’s DWTS is such an emotional thing for her. “Who’s gonna tell 4 year old Rylee that she’s competing in the DWTS finale this year?” wrote the professional dancer in the TikTok video, underscoring how the lifelong dream is close to being realized.

But we agree: the toddler Rylee really knew her steps. Watching her execute the moves with ease, it shouldn’t have been difficult for her parents to know that dancing would become the path she’d walk in the future. However, thankfully, this time, there’s someone who’s more than capable in aiding Arnold in her quest to becoming a beloved star in the dancing community.

An able support from the pommel horse specialist

When the 2024 Olympic Games concluded, Stephen Nedoroscik returned home a hero. Along with his national teammates Brody Malone, Paul Juda, and others, the 25-year-old had brought the USA its first Olympic medal in men’s gymnastics after a gap of 16 years. But Nedoroscik wasn’t going to let that be his crowning moment. Instead, while most of his gymnastics buddies hit the road for the Gold Over America Tour, Stephen announced his desire to expand his horizons by participating in the 33rd season of Dancing With The Stars. But in the last couple of months, he’s never looked out of his element, and has matched Arnold every step of the way.

Arnold also believes that her partner’s daring move will also help more people take noticed of male gymnasts in general. “It is so amazing that Stephen is representing the male gymnasts,” she told Joe Vulpis last month. While the Gold Over America Tour is working its part to make men’s gymnastics more popular, Arnold believes that Nedoroscik is also doing the same thing with his groovy steps. But will next Tuesday be the final icing on the cake for both these stars? Tell us your prediction in the comments!