ABC's Dancing with the Stars is a reality competition series that pairs celebrities with professional dancers to compete in ballroom dancing. The show— first aired in 2005 and now on its season 33— features a diverse range of contestants from various fields, including athletes, actors, and musicians.
Over the years, numerous Olympians have stepped out of their sports arenas and onto the dance floor, showcasing their versatility and agility in different settings. Ten Olympians who have competed on the show include Suni Lee of season 30, Jamie Anderson of season 26, Simone Biles of season 24, and more.
10 Olympians who joined Dancing with the Stars
1. Adam Rippon
Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon and partner Jenna Johnson took home the Mirrorball Trophy in season 26 of Dancing with the Stars. His triumph, which combined his graceful skating with excellent ballroom dancing, represented a noteworthy accomplishment for an Olympian on the program.
2. Chris Mazdzer
A silver medallist in men's singles luge at the 2018 Olympics, Chris Mazdzer competed in season 26. Mazdzer lost in the third week of the competition, with partner Witney Carson. His involvement in the all-athlete season demonstrated his physical prowess and passion for competition.
3. Jamie Anderson
Two-time snowboarding Olympic gold medallist Jamie Anderson competed in season 26, which was limited to athletes. Anderson, who was paired with Artem Chigvintsev, was the first competitor to be eliminated. Her participation demonstrated her versatility as she went from snowboarding to ballroom dance.
4. Johnny Weir
In season 29, figure skater Johnny Weir was matched with professional dancer Britt Stewart. Well-known for his skill on the rink, Weir added a special spirit to the dance floor. He placed sixth, showcasing his performing abilities and versatility in a different competition.
5. Nancy Kerrigan
Figure skating champion Nancy Kerrigan, who has won two Olympic medals, participated in season 24 of Dancing with the Stars. Partnered with Artem Chigvintsev, Kerrigan made it to the seventh week of the competition. She demonstrated her grace and flexibility on the dance floor in her performances.
6. Mary Lou Retton
Known for her gymnastics and 1984 Olympic gold medal, Mary Lou Retton participated in season 28. Retton partnered with Sasha Farber, but her time in the competition ended when she was eliminated as the fifth candidate. Retton called the event a major personal challenge and a fresh start, even though they could not make it to the finale.
7. Mirai Nagasu
American figure skater Mirai Nagasu, who made waves in the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, signed up for season 26 of Dancing with the Stars. She competed in fourth place with partner Alan Bersten, showcasing her skating prowess. Her versatility and dynamic performances defined her journey on the show.
8. Simone Biles
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in American history, participated in season 24 alongside partner Sasha Farber. Biles surprised many by finishing in fourth place, even though she was the clear favorite to win because of her consistently high scores during the season. She combined ballroom dance and gymnastics skills in her performance.
9. Stephen Nedoroscik
Known for his performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Stephen Nedoroscik, also known as the "pommel horse guy," will compete in season 33 of Dancing with the Stars. Nedoroscik expressed his excitement about joining the show. He aims to provide a distinct touch to the competition by fusing parts of his gymnastics routine with his dance performances.
10. Suni Lee
For its season 30, welcomed back Suni Lee, a gold medal-winning gymnast from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Lee performed intricate dance sequences with Sasha Farber, utilizing her gymnastics skills. Even though Lee reached the semi-finals and came in fifth, she had a positive attitude about her experience.
Dancing with the Stars premiers Tuesday, September 17, live on ABC and Disney+! You can also stream the show on Hulu to see all the latest episodes and highlights.