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Ezra Frech is set to bring Paralympic championship experience to the ballroom when he competes on the upcoming 35th season of Dancing with the Stars. The announcement creates a historic television moment, as Frech and Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn will compete during the same season.
The new season is scheduled to premiere on September 15, 2026. According to NBC Sports, the casting marks the first time in the show’s history that an Olympic gold medalist and a Paralympic gold medalist will appear as contestants in the same season.
Ezra Frech Makes Historic Dancing with the Stars Debut
Frech, a Los Angeles native, enters the competition with an impressive record in Para track and field. At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, he won gold in both the T63 100-meter event and the high jump. Those victories established him as one of the most recognizable young athletes in the Paralympic movement.
His appearance on the popular dance competition also arrives with another major goal ahead. Frech is bidding to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where he would have the opportunity to perform in front of a home crowd. His participation on television could introduce his story, sport and ambitions to an even wider audience.
Frech is the first Paralympian to join Dancing with the Stars since Para Alpine skier Danelle Umstead competed in 2018. He is also only the second Summer Paralympian and the second Paralympic gold medalist to appear on the series, following swimmer Victoria Arlen’s participation in 2017.
A Powerful Olympic and Paralympic Crossover
Amber Glenn will join Frech in the Season 35 cast after a breakthrough Olympic campaign. The 26-year-old figure skater from Plano, Texas, won team event gold and finished fifth individually at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Glenn has also won the last three U.S. figure skating titles and could become only the fourth figure skater to capture the show’s Mirrorball Trophy. Her participation is especially notable because previous figure skaters typically appeared after their elite competitive careers had ended.
The lineup brings together two athletes from different sporting worlds. Glenn is known for precision, balance and choreography on the ice, while Frech has built his reputation through explosive speed, power and technique on the track and in the field. Their transition to ballroom dancing will be closely watched by fans of both Olympic and Paralympic sport.
Can Frech Challenge for the Mirrorball Trophy?
Although athletic ability can provide an advantage, Dancing with the Stars demands much more than physical strength. Contestants must learn unfamiliar routines, perform under pressure and connect with viewers through weekly live performances.
Frech’s competitive background could help him handle the intensity of rehearsals and judging. However, ballroom technique, rhythm and partnered movement will present a new challenge. His professional dance partner has not yet been identified in the available announcement, leaving fans eager to see how the pairing develops.
Several Olympians have found success on the show. Figure skaters Kristi Yamaguchi, Meryl Davis and Adam Rippon have all won the Mirrorball Trophy. Gymnasts Shawn Johnson and Laurie Hernandez also claimed victories, while Apolo Ohno and several other elite athletes made deep runs.
Frech’s participation continues the program’s long relationship with decorated athletes. At least one Olympian appeared in many seasons dating back to the show’s debut in 2005. His casting expands that tradition by placing a Paralympic champion at the center of the competition.
What the Season 35 Announcement Means
For Frech, the opportunity is more than a television appearance. It is a chance to showcase elite Para athletics, challenge perceptions about disability and highlight the preparation required to compete at the highest level.
His journey may also inspire younger athletes who see the Paralympic Games as a pathway to excellence. With the 2028 Los Angeles Games approaching, the increased visibility could strengthen interest in Para track and field across the United States.
Meanwhile, Glenn’s participation could create a demanding schedule. She is expected to compete in the 2026 Grand Prix figure skating season, with assignments at Skate America and the NHK Trophy in Japan during November. She has not announced how the dance show will affect her skating plans.
The show’s season can run through late November or early December for contestants who reach the final four. That overlap may make Glenn’s dual commitments an important storyline as the competition unfolds.
When the season begins, viewers will be watching to see whether Ezra Frech can turn Paralympic power into ballroom success—and whether this historic cast can produce another memorable Mirrorball champion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra Frech
Who is Ezra Frech?
Ezra Frech is a Para track and field athlete from Los Angeles. He won T63 100-meter and high jump gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
When will Ezra Frech appear on Dancing with the Stars?
Ezra Frech is scheduled to compete during Season 35, which is set to premiere on September 15, 2026.
Who is competing with Ezra Frech?
Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn is also part of the Season 35 cast. Glenn won Olympic team event gold at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.
Is Ezra Frech the first Paralympian on the show?
No. He is the first Paralympian to compete on the series since Para Alpine skier Danelle Umstead appeared in 2018.
