Stephen was listed at 154cm (about 5'0") last year. So yah, while not 7 inches, it's still pretty substantial. He's likely still growing too. It also looks like most of the growth happened after Jr. Worlds in March, likely in the summer, since I don't remember him being as tall as now. So it's also within a relatively short period.
How did it happen that Stephen was not the smallest, but the tallest on the podium?
He looks great with that Californian tan and very bright hair.
I wish his skating has been looking equally great, but he's still in transition, without the doubt.
Btw, it was quite sweet seeing how supportive Raf was. He gave Stephen a smile when he came off the ice and was being all around encouraging in the K&C. I always had the impression he was a strict coach, so it was nice to see him giving Stephen support.
He's injured. Don't know what. He'll most likely be at Jr. Worlds though if he's healed.