All the Olympians Who've Competed onDancing with the Stars(and How They Scored!)

Mar. 15, 2025

Jamie Squire/Getty ; Kristy Sparow/Getty ; Laurence Griffiths/Getty

These Olympians went for the gold …andthe Mirrorball Trophy.

“I don’t think anything will ever compare to the work I put into the Olympics. But I have to say, probablyDancing with the Stars[was harder],“Suni Lee— the gold medal-winning gymnast who competed in season 30 — told PEOPLE in December 2021.  “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.”

Another Olympian will joinDWTSwhen the show returns for season 33:Stephen Nedoroscik, who became known as the “pommel horse guy” after he helpedTeam USA clinch a bronze medalin the men’s gymnastics team final at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Historically, Olympians have performed well (and won a lot!) onDWTS.Read on to see all of the Olympic athletes who’ve taken a turn in the ballroom — and how they fared.

01of 22Suni LeeSuni Lee and Sasha Farber wear red outfits in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Maarten de Boer/ABC via GettyDuring season 30 ofDWTS, the six-time Olympic medalist Suni Lee used her gymnast agility to perform many dance routines with partnerSasha Farber— making it to the semi-finals and placing in fifth. Though she didn’t get to the finale, Lee was more than pleased with her experience.“I feel like I finally found myself, and I’m more confident in myself,” she told reporters after being eliminated in November 2021. “And I feel like I’m more open now, and that was the main goal to come on this show. Obviously, winning was there, but I feel like I love myself more than ever and that is a really important thing.”

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Suni Lee

Suni Lee and Sasha Farber wear red outfits in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Maarten de Boer/ABC via Getty

Maarten de Boer/ABC via Getty

During season 30 ofDWTS, the six-time Olympic medalist Suni Lee used her gymnast agility to perform many dance routines with partnerSasha Farber— making it to the semi-finals and placing in fifth. Though she didn’t get to the finale, Lee was more than pleased with her experience.

“I feel like I finally found myself, and I’m more confident in myself,” she told reporters after being eliminated in November 2021. “And I feel like I’m more open now, and that was the main goal to come on this show. Obviously, winning was there, but I feel like I love myself more than ever and that is a really important thing.”

02of 22Johnny WeirBritt Stewart and Johnny Weir dancing during the semi-finals on ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Eric McCandless via Getty ImagesDecorated skaterJohnny Weirfell just short of the top in season 29 — coming in sixth place with partnerBritt Stewart.

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Johnny Weir

Britt Stewart and Johnny Weir dancing during the semi-finals on ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Eric McCandless via Getty Images

Decorated skaterJohnny Weirfell just short of the top in season 29 — coming in sixth place with partnerBritt Stewart.

03of 22Mary Lou RettonMary Lou Retton and Sasha Farber hug while wearing gold outfits in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABCIn season 28 (with Sasha Farber), the beloved gymnast and five-time Olympic medalist was the fifth to go. “I hadn’t challenged myself in decades,“Mary Lou Rettonsaid as she was let go, revealing news of her divorce. “I challenged myself and I’m off to a fresh start.”

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Mary Lou Retton

Mary Lou Retton and Sasha Farber hug while wearing gold outfits in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABC

Craig Sjodin/ABC

In season 28 (with Sasha Farber), the beloved gymnast and five-time Olympic medalist was the fifth to go. “I hadn’t challenged myself in decades,“Mary Lou Rettonsaid as she was let go, revealing news of her divorce. “I challenged myself and I’m off to a fresh start.”

04of 22Jamie AndersonJamie Anderson and Artem Chigvintsev pose in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABCTwo-time Olympic gold medalist snowboarderJamie Andersontraded her board for dancing shoes to partner withArtem Chigvintsevfor season 26, which was all athletes. She was, however, the first to go home.

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Jamie Anderson

Jamie Anderson and Artem Chigvintsev pose in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABC

Two-time Olympic gold medalist snowboarderJamie Andersontraded her board for dancing shoes to partner withArtem Chigvintsevfor season 26, which was all athletes. She was, however, the first to go home.

05of 22Tonya HardingTonya Harding and Sasha Farber strike a pose in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABCOne of the most controversial namesin Olympic history,Tonya Hardingcompeted with Sasha Farber on the show’s all-athletes season — and came in third.

05of 22

Tonya Harding

Tonya Harding and Sasha Farber strike a pose in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABC

One of the most controversial namesin Olympic history,Tonya Hardingcompeted with Sasha Farber on the show’s all-athletes season — and came in third.

06of 22Mirai NagasuAlan Bersten (right) lifts up Mirai Nagasu in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABCMirai Nagasusaid that she almost saw her free skate performance at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics as an “audition forDancing with the Stars.” It worked: she joined season 26 with partner Alan Bersten and came in fourth.

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Mirai Nagasu

Alan Bersten (right) lifts up Mirai Nagasu in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABC

Mirai Nagasusaid that she almost saw her free skate performance at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics as an “audition forDancing with the Stars.” It worked: she joined season 26 with partner Alan Bersten and came in fourth.

07of 22Adam RipponAdam Rippon and Jenna Johnson wear matching black outfits in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABCHe won over America with his epic one-liners and graceful skates, and Olympic figure skaterAdam Rippontackled the dance floor alongside partnerJenna Johnson, taking home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy on the all-athlete 26th season.

07of 22

Adam Rippon

Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson wear matching black outfits in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABC

He won over America with his epic one-liners and graceful skates, and Olympic figure skaterAdam Rippontackled the dance floor alongside partnerJenna Johnson, taking home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy on the all-athlete 26th season.

08of 22

Chris Mazdzer

Witney Carson and Chris Mazdzer pose in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABC

09of 22Nancy KerriganNancy Kerrigan and Artem Chigvintsev tilt their hips in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.ABC/Craig SjodinIn 2017, two-time Olympic medalist and figure skaterNancy Kerriganpartnered up with pro Artem Chigvintsev, making it to the seventh week of the competition show’s 24th season.

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Nancy Kerrigan

Nancy Kerrigan and Artem Chigvintsev tilt their hips in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.ABC/Craig Sjodin

In 2017, two-time Olympic medalist and figure skaterNancy Kerriganpartnered up with pro Artem Chigvintsev, making it to the seventh week of the competition show’s 24th season.

10of 22Simone BilesSimone Biles and Sasha Farber lean to the side in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.ABC/Craig SjodinPartnered with Sasha Farber,Simone Biles— who laterbecame the most decorated U.S. gymnast (11 medals!) in Olympic historyin 2024 — consistently posted high scores throughout all of season 24, and was predicted to win the final prize. So when she was eliminated in fourth place, theaudience was absolutely shocked— especially because the team had received two perfect scores that very evening.

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Simone Biles

Simone Biles and Sasha Farber lean to the side in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.ABC/Craig Sjodin

Partnered with Sasha Farber,Simone Biles— who laterbecame the most decorated U.S. gymnast (11 medals!) in Olympic historyin 2024 — consistently posted high scores throughout all of season 24, and was predicted to win the final prize. So when she was eliminated in fourth place, theaudience was absolutely shocked— especially because the team had received two perfect scores that very evening.

11of 22Laurie HernandezVal Chmerkovskiy and Laurie Hernandez strike a pose in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig SjodinMost viewers knew that in season 23, it was always going to beLaurie Hernandez. Fresh off her stint at the 2016 Rio Olympics, she was America’s sweetheart, and the judges' sweetheart, too, scoring perfect 10s an astounding eight times. Competing at 16 years old, Hernandez became the youngest winner inDWTShistory.

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Laurie Hernandez

Val Chmerkovskiy and Laurie Hernandez strike a pose in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin

Most viewers knew that in season 23, it was always going to beLaurie Hernandez. Fresh off her stint at the 2016 Rio Olympics, she was America’s sweetheart, and the judges' sweetheart, too, scoring perfect 10s an astounding eight times. Competing at 16 years old, Hernandez became the youngest winner inDWTShistory.

12of 22Nastia LiukinDerek Hough supports Nastia Liukin in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABCPartnered withDerek Houghfor the show’s 20th season, 2008 all-around Olympic champion gymnastNastia Liukinhad consistently high scores throughout the season. She was eliminated in the show’s ninth week, coming in fourth place — despite receiving the night’s highest scores.

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Nastia Liukin

Derek Hough supports Nastia Liukin in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABC

Partnered withDerek Houghfor the show’s 20th season, 2008 all-around Olympic champion gymnastNastia Liukinhad consistently high scores throughout the season. She was eliminated in the show’s ninth week, coming in fourth place — despite receiving the night’s highest scores.

13of 22Meryl DavisMaksim Chmerkovskiy and Meryl Davis do a tango pose in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABC/GettyMeryl Daviswas the front-runner on the show’s 18th season from the get-go. Her dances with partnerMaksim Chmerkovskiynever scored less than an 8, and from the semifinals on, they scored straight perfect 10s. She (obviously) won her season — and still holds the highest celebrity average of all time.

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Meryl Davis

Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Meryl Davis do a tango pose in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABC/Getty

Meryl Daviswas the front-runner on the show’s 18th season from the get-go. Her dances with partnerMaksim Chmerkovskiynever scored less than an 8, and from the semifinals on, they scored straight perfect 10s. She (obviously) won her season — and still holds the highest celebrity average of all time.

14of 22Charlie WhiteSharna Burgess leans on Charlie White in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABCDavis' ice dancing partner kicked off his season 18 strong, scoring straight 9s and, from that point on, never dipping below a rare 7. However, he and partnerSharna Burgesscame in fifth place, eliminated in shocking style one week ahead of the finale.

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Charlie White

Sharna Burgess leans on Charlie White in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABC

Davis' ice dancing partner kicked off his season 18 strong, scoring straight 9s and, from that point on, never dipping below a rare 7. However, he and partnerSharna Burgesscame in fifth place, eliminated in shocking style one week ahead of the finale.

15of 22Hope SoloHope Solo (right) raises her leg on Maksim Chmerkovskiy in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.ABC/CRAIG SJODINBeforeher controversies, soccer goalieHope Soloparticipated in the show’s 13th season. She and partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy came in fourth place.

15of 22

Hope Solo

Hope Solo (right) raises her leg on Maksim Chmerkovskiy in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.ABC/CRAIG SJODIN

Beforeher controversies, soccer goalieHope Soloparticipated in the show’s 13th season. She and partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy came in fourth place.

16of 22Evan LysacekEvan Lysacek and Anna Trebunskaya pose in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABCThe men’s singles gold medal-winning figure skater was paired withAnna Trebunskayaon the 10th season ofDWTS, and he danced to the near-top of the competition: He made it to the finals and eventually came in second place.

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Evan Lysacek

Evan Lysacek and Anna Trebunskaya pose in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABC

The men’s singles gold medal-winning figure skater was paired withAnna Trebunskayaon the 10th season ofDWTS, and he danced to the near-top of the competition: He made it to the finals and eventually came in second place.

17of 22Natalie CoughlinNatalie Coughlin and Alec Mazo wear blue in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.ABC/CRAIG SJODINThree-time gold medalist swimmer Natalie Coughlin was paired with Alec Mazo onDWTS’s ninth season, on which she was a solid middle-of-the-pack competitor: She was the sixth contestant eliminated.

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Natalie Coughlin

Natalie Coughlin and Alec Mazo wear blue in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.ABC/CRAIG SJODIN

Three-time gold medalist swimmer Natalie Coughlin was paired with Alec Mazo onDWTS’s ninth season, on which she was a solid middle-of-the-pack competitor: She was the sixth contestant eliminated.

18of 22Shawn JohnsonShawn Johnson and Derek Hough pose in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.ABC/CRAIG SJODINIf there was an Olympian-only season ofDWTS, chances are,Shawn Johnsonwould take home the Mirrorball. Partnered withMark Ballas, she won the show’s eighth season in 2009 at 17 and was the youngestDWTSwinner before Laurie Hernandez’s 2016 win. In 2012, Johnson came back for the all-star season 15, this time partnered with Derek Hough. Even up against a group of champions, she was a standout, coming in second place.

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Shawn Johnson

Shawn Johnson and Derek Hough pose in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.ABC/CRAIG SJODIN

If there was an Olympian-only season ofDWTS, chances are,Shawn Johnsonwould take home the Mirrorball. Partnered withMark Ballas, she won the show’s eighth season in 2009 at 17 and was the youngestDWTSwinner before Laurie Hernandez’s 2016 win. In 2012, Johnson came back for the all-star season 15, this time partnered with Derek Hough. Even up against a group of champions, she was a standout, coming in second place.

19of 22Misty May-TreanorMisty May-Treanor leans on Maksim Chmerkovskiy with one leg up in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABC via GettyMisty May-Treanorwas a contestant on the seventh season ofDWTSand partnered with Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Though the three-time gold medalist in beach volleyball posted relatively high scores throughout her four weeks of competition, she ruptured her Achilles tendon and was forced to withdraw.

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Misty May-Treanor

Misty May-Treanor leans on Maksim Chmerkovskiy with one leg up in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty

Misty May-Treanorwas a contestant on the seventh season ofDWTSand partnered with Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Though the three-time gold medalist in beach volleyball posted relatively high scores throughout her four weeks of competition, she ruptured her Achilles tendon and was forced to withdraw.

20of 22Kristi YamaguchiKristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas hold hands in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.ABC/BOB D’AMICOThe 1992 women’s singles figure skating gold medalist was a force to be reckoned with in the ballroom in season 6. From the first week,Kristi Yamaguchiand Mark Balls were scoring straight 9s — while her competitors couldn’t even get one. In the show’s final week, all three of her dances scored straight 10s. She took home the Mirrorball after defeating the runner-up, retired NFL player Jason Taylor.

20of 22

Kristi Yamaguchi

Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas hold hands in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.ABC/BOB D’AMICO

The 1992 women’s singles figure skating gold medalist was a force to be reckoned with in the ballroom in season 6. From the first week,Kristi Yamaguchiand Mark Balls were scoring straight 9s — while her competitors couldn’t even get one. In the show’s final week, all three of her dances scored straight 10s. She took home the Mirrorball after defeating the runner-up, retired NFL player Jason Taylor.

21of 22Apolo Anton OhnoApolo Anton Ohno and Karina Smirnoff pose in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABC via GettySpeed skater and eight-time Olympic medalistApolo Anton Ohnohas participated in two seasons ofDWTS.The first was season 4, where he and partnerJulianne Houghwon — becoming the first-ever Olympian to receive the Mirrorball Trophy. (It was also Hough’s first season as a troupe member!) The second was all-star season 15, on which he was a powerhouse contestant with partnerKarina Smirnoff, but didn’t farequiteas well, coming in fifth place.

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Apolo Anton Ohno

Apolo Anton Ohno and Karina Smirnoff pose in a promotional photo for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty

Speed skater and eight-time Olympic medalistApolo Anton Ohnohas participated in two seasons ofDWTS.The first was season 4, where he and partnerJulianne Houghwon — becoming the first-ever Olympian to receive the Mirrorball Trophy. (It was also Hough’s first season as a troupe member!) The second was all-star season 15, on which he was a powerhouse contestant with partnerKarina Smirnoff, but didn’t farequiteas well, coming in fifth place.

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Stephen Nedoroscik

Julian Finney/Getty

Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik became the first celebrity contestant announced for season 33 ofDWTS.The news was first shared onGood Morning Americain August 2024, where Nedoroscik — who is also known as “pommel horse guy” — said he was “very excited” to be asked to compete on the show.

He also said he’s hoping to include some of his pommel horse moves in his dances.

“I’m hoping to bring some of them. I want to bring some flares, I want to bring some of that gymnastics. Maybe a back flip or hand stand. I want to have fun with it,” he said.

source: people.com