A Historic First for the Ballroom
When 'Dancing With the Stars' returns for its 35th season, it will feature a pairing never seen before: an Olympic gold medalist and a Paralympic gold medalist competing in the same season. Figure skater Amber Glenn and Para track and field athlete Ezra Frech are part of the newly announced cast, with the season premiering with a two-night event on September 15 and 16.[S1][S2]
Glenn, 26, from Plano, Texas, won gold in the team event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games and placed fifth individually. Frech, 21, from Los Angeles, claimed two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in the T63 100 meters and high jump. Their participation marks a crossover between Olympic and Paralympic sport on one of television's biggest stages.[S1][S2]
Glenn's Active Career and Skating Legacy
Glenn is the reigning U.S. champion for the third consecutive year and remains an active elite competitor, unlike the ten figure skaters who preceded her on the show, all of whom had finished their top-level careers. She has said she plans to continue competing as long as her body stays healthy, and she is assigned to compete at Saatva Skate America and the NHK Trophy in Japan in November.[S1][S3]
Glenn could become the fourth figure skater to win the Mirrorball Trophy, following Kristi Yamaguchi (2008), Meryl Davis (2014), and Adam Rippon (2018). The last figure skater to compete was Johnny Weir in 2020. Her participation raises questions about how the dance show will fit into her skating schedule, which she has not yet addressed.[S1][S3]
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Frech's Paralympic Journey and Advocacy
Frech is the first Paralympian on the show since Alpine skier Danelle Umstead in 2018 and only the second Summer Paralympian and gold medalist to compete, after swimmer Victoria Arlen in 2017. He is also a world-record holder in the T63 high jump and is aiming to compete at the 2028 Paralympic Games in his hometown of Los Angeles.[S1][S3]
Born with congenital limb differences, Frech received his first prosthetic leg at 11 months and had his left leg amputated at age two. He co-founded Angel City Sports, which provides free sports opportunities for people with disabilities. His mother, Bahar Soomekh, is a Persian-Jewish former actress, and his father, Clayton Frech, converted to Judaism.[S4]
Olympians' Long History on the Show
Olympians have been a staple on 'Dancing With the Stars' since its debut in 2005, with at least one competing in most seasons. Winners include Apolo Ohno, Shawn Johnson, Laurie Hernandez, and others. This season's cast also includes Julia Stiles, Jenna Dewan, and Harry Shum Jr., among others.[S1][S3][S4]
