“Dancing With The Stars” is officially back for Season 35, and get this: it’s not just another celebrity lineup. This year, the show is absolutely stacked with some serious athletic firepower, including an Olympic figure skater, a Paralympic gold medalist, and even a star from the wildly popular Savannah Bananas. Reigning champion Robert Irwin has got to be looking over his shoulder because the competition is about to get fierce.
Gold Medalists Bring the Heat to the Ballroom
First up, let’s talk about Ezra Frech. This 21-year-old is a track and field absolute legend, competing in both the 2020 and 2024 Summer Paralympics. And we’re not talking participation trophies here; Frech absolutely dominated the 2024 Games, snagging two gold medals in the 100-meter T63 and high jump T63 events. That’s not just winning; that’s straight-up dominance in his field. The dude is a Los Angeles native, a motivational speaker, and a disability rights activist, too. Think about that combo of athletic prowess and inspiring advocacy! He burst onto the scene in 2019, grabbing a gold and two bronze medals at the World Para Athletics Junior Championships, then two more silver at the Parapan American Games. Oh, and get this: he broke his own world record in the high jump T63 at the 2024 USA Paralympic Trials, clearing an insane 1.97 meters. That kind of vertical leap? Imagine what he can do on the dance floor!
Then there’s Amber Glenn, a name Winter Olympics fans will definitely remember from 2026. Glenn, a 26-year-old powerhouse, took home a gold medal in the women’s figure skating team event. Talk about clutch! And get this: she was the first American woman to win three consecutive U.S. National titles since the iconic Michelle Kwan. That’s serious legacy stuff. She was also the oldest American woman to qualify for an Olympic singles team since 1928, and she’s only the fifth woman to ever land a triple axel at the Winter Olympics. A triple axel, people! Her grace and power on the ice are legendary, and now she’s going to bring that same intensity and precision to the ballroom. This is not just a skater; this is a history-maker, and she’s coming for that Mirrorball trophy.
From the Diamond to the Dance Floor: The Savannah Bananas Are Represented
And for all you baseball fanatics out there, get ready to root for Jackson Olson. The Savannah Bananas have exploded in popularity in recent years, bringing their unique brand of baseball entertainment to the masses, and now one of their stars is hitting the dance floor. Olson, a baseball player known for his flair and social media presence, is bringing that Bananas energy to a whole new stage. You know he’s going to be a fan favorite, mixing athletic precision with pure showmanship. He’s used to performing under pressure, just in a different kind of uniform!
This season of “Dancing With The Stars” isn’t just about actors and TV personalities. It’s about legitimate athletes stepping out of their comfort zones and into a completely different kind of competitive arena. With Robert Irwin back to defend his title, and a lineup featuring world-record breakers and gold medalists, this is going to be a season unlike any other. Get ready to watch these legends trade their medals for mirror balls. The premiere is just a few weeks away, and trust me, you don’t want to miss it!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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