Dancing with the Olympians?
Shawn Johnson and dance partner Mark Ballas celebrating her victory. (Photo courtesy of AP)
Maybe they should rename Dancing with the Stars after last night’s winner Shawn Johnson was awarded the coveted mirror ball trophy.
She is the third US Olympic Gold Medalist to win the prize, and rightfully so. Olympic athletes are the best in the world and know what it means to motivate and dedicate themselves to training hard and molding their bodies into top shape, much like professional dancers. They are so dedicated to success that their stamina is unparalleled. Shawn is only 17 years old and is also the youngest contestant to ever win Dancing with the Stars in its eight-season run.
Hats off to the little girl with the Heart of Gold!!
- Shawn competing in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Other past Olympians to win the show include Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi in season 6 and Olympic speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno in season 4.
Kristi winning her mirror ball trophy, also with partner Mark Ballas. (Photo courtesy of pinkponders.com)
Apolo and dance partner Julianne Hough, beaming with pride. (Photo courtesy of Yahoo TV)
May 20, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Shawn was good but Gilles was the best dancer. The same thing is happening with American Idol. It looks like Kris will win. He’s a good singer but Adam Lambert is fantastic and the best singer ever in the competition. I won’t be watching either show next year. I voted during both shows. I really think the tweens and teens vote for who they think is cute, not who is the best. And don’t get me started on the religious factor. BOO!