These Olympians went for the gold … and the Mirrorball Trophy.
From swimmers and gymnasts to ice skaters and snowboarders, numerous athletes who’ve competed in the Olympics have also taken the stage on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. While they’re no strangers to being judged on TV, the transition to dancing on the reality competition series still poses many challenges.
“I don’t think anything will ever compare to the work I put into the Olympics. But I have to say, probably Dancing with the Stars [was harder],” Suni Lee, the gold medal-winning gymnast who competed in season 30, shared. “I didn’t expect it to go that way, and when I had to go into the gym every single day — or go into rehearsals, I was like — ‘Why is nothing clicking?’ So it was definitely harder that way.”
Historically, however, Olympians have performed well and won a lot on DWTS. Here’s a look at the Olympic athletes who’ve taken a turn in the ballroom and how they fared.
Suni Lee made her mark during season 30 of DWTS, showcasing her gymnast agility while dancing with partner Sasha Farber. She reached the semi-finals and placed fifth. Although she didn’t make it to the finale, Lee expressed satisfaction with her experience. “I feel like I finally found myself, and I’m more confident in myself,” she said after her elimination. “And I feel like I’m more open now, and that was the main goal to come on this show.”
Johnny Weir, a decorated skater, competed in season 29 and fell just short of the top, finishing in sixth place with partner Britt Stewart. His performances were well-received, but he couldn’t quite reach the finale.
Mary Lou Retton, a beloved gymnast and five-time Olympic medalist, participated in season 28 with Sasha Farber. She was the fifth contestant eliminated. “I hadn’t challenged myself in decades,” she remarked after her departure, revealing personal changes in her life. “I challenged myself and I’m off to a fresh start.”
Jamie Anderson, a two-time Olympic gold medalist snowboarder, traded her board for dancing shoes in season 26, which featured all athletes. Unfortunately, she was the first to go home.
Tonya Harding, one of the most controversial names in Olympic history, competed in the all-athletes season alongside Sasha Farber and secured a third-place finish.
Mirai Nagasu, who viewed her free skate performance at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics as an “audition for Dancing with the Stars,” joined season 26 with partner Alan Bersten and finished in fourth place.
Adam Rippon, an Olympic figure skater known for his charm and grace, took to the dance floor with partner Jenna Johnson and won the coveted Mirrorball Trophy during the all-athlete season 26.
Chris Mazdzer, who brought home the first-ever medal in men’s singles luge for the U.S. in 2018, danced with Witney Carson in the all-athletes season but was eliminated in the third week.
Nancy Kerrigan, a two-time Olympic medalist and figure skater, partnered with Artem Chigvintsev in 2017 and made it to the seventh week of the competition in season 24.
Laurie Hernandez, fresh off her success at the 2016 Rio Olympics, became a fan favorite in season 23. She scored perfect 10s an astounding eight times and ultimately became the youngest winner in DWTS history.
Nastia Liukin, the 2008 all-around Olympic champion gymnast, partnered with Derek Hough in season 20. She consistently received high scores but was eliminated in the ninth week, finishing in fourth place.
Meryl Davis was a front-runner in season 18, dancing with Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Their performances never scored less than an 8, and they achieved straight perfect 10s from the semifinals onward, ultimately winning the season.
Charlie White, Davis’ ice dancing partner, also competed in season 18. He started strong with straight 9s but was eliminated in fifth place, just one week shy of the finale.
Hope Solo, the soccer goalie, participated in season 13 and finished in fourth place with partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
Evan Lysacek, the men’s singles gold medal-winning figure skater, was paired with Anna Trebunskaya in season 10. He made it to the finals and ultimately finished in second place.
Natalie Coughlin, a three-time gold medalist swimmer, was paired with Alec Mazo in season 9. She was a solid middle-of-the-pack competitor and was the sixth contestant eliminated.
Shawn Johnson, who won the eighth season in 2009 at just 17 years old, was a standout contestant. She returned for the all-star season 15 in 2012, where she finished in second place alongside Derek Hough.
Misty May-Treanor, a three-time gold medalist in beach volleyball, competed in season 7 with Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Despite posting high scores, she had to withdraw due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Kristi Yamaguchi, the 1992 women’s singles figure skating gold medalist, dominated season 6. She scored straight 9s from the first week and achieved straight 10s in the final week, ultimately winning the Mirrorball Trophy.
Apolo Anton Ohno, an eight-time Olympic medalist in speed skating, participated in two seasons of DWTS. He won season 4 with partner Julianne Hough, becoming the first Olympian to receive the Mirrorball Trophy. In the all-star season 15, he finished in fifth place with partner Karina Smirnoff.
These Olympians have not only showcased their athletic prowess on the ice, in the pool, and on the mat, but they have also brought their competitive spirit to the dance floor, proving that the skills they honed in their respective sports can translate into success in the world of dance.
Source: PEOPLE
