Image Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Ezra Frech is taking his place in the spotlight on Dancing With the Stars season 35, and the Paralympic gold medalist could make television history. With the season finale scheduled for Nov. 24, Frech is emerging as a strong contender to become the show’s first amputee winner.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Frech said he is trying not to look too far ahead. “You can’t think too far ahead on a show like Dancing With the Stars,” he explained. “Anything could happen at any week.”
Ezra Frech Eyes a Historic DWTS Victory
Frech has consistently performed well throughout the competition while building a powerful connection with viewers. His appearance has also created meaningful disability representation for younger fans, many of whom see themselves reflected in his journey as an amputee athlete.
The track and field star said representation was a major reason he accepted the opportunity. He has long followed the series and pointed to previous contestants including Amy Purdy, Daniel Durant and Noah Galloway as examples of performers who helped audiences see disability in a new way.
For Frech, the timing also felt ideal. His athletics season ended just as the show began, giving him a three-month off-season to focus on dance. Although he continues to do some weightlifting, he is limiting additional training to reduce the risk of injury.
A mentor, Heinrich Popow, who competed on the German version of Dancing With the Stars, advised him to be cautious. Popow is also an amputee and a former gold medalist in Frech’s event. Following that guidance, Frech said he is now “all in on dance.”
A Powerful Partnership With Daniella Karagach
Frech is partnered with professional dancer Daniella Karagach, while fellow Olympic gold medalist Amber Glenn is competing with Pasha Pashkov. Karagach and Pashkov are married, creating an unusual dynamic as the two celebrity athletes navigate the same competition alongside their professional partners.
Rather than viewing Glenn as a rival, Frech described her as a teammate. He said their shared experience as elite athletes has helped them remain close while facing the pressure of performing live each week.
Fans have even joked that the mirrorball trophy could end up in the Pashkov-Karagach household. One humorous fan theory suggested that Frech and Glenn should recreate a moment from The Hunger Games and split the trophy. Frech laughed off the idea but said it would be special if both athletes reached the finale together.
“Amber and I are teammates in this,” he said, emphasizing the friendship and mutual support that have developed during the season.
Representation That Inspires a New Generation
The response from viewers has been especially important to Frech. He said fan support has become a “grounding, stabilizing force” during what he described as an emotional roller coaster.
Social media videos featuring children watching his performances have deeply affected him. Frech recalled seeing a young child with a hand difference cheering for him at home. Moments like that, he said, fuel his desire to continue competing and communicating directly with supporters.
Winning the show would carry significance well beyond the ballroom. Frech said becoming the first amputee to win Dancing With the Stars would allow him to represent the disabled community on a mainstream platform and perhaps shift public perceptions of disability.
He has already experienced the value of visibility through athletics and advocacy, but the show has introduced him to an even wider audience. His goal is to prove that disability does not limit creativity, ambition or the ability to command a national television stage.
What Ezra Frech Will Dance Next
For Disney Night, Frech and Karagach planned a samba inspired by The Little Mermaid, performing to “Under the Sea.” The routine was partly influenced by online comparisons between Frech and Prince Eric after he appeared with his hair slicked back during an earlier performance.
Frech identified his week two cha cha as his favorite dance so far, while calling the salsa one of the most difficult styles he had learned. He expects the samba to bring another challenge, but his approach remains consistent: stay present, work hard and trust the process.
Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming the following day on Hulu. As the Nov. 24 finale approaches, Frech’s performances will be closely watched by both longtime fans and viewers discovering his story for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could Ezra Frech become the first amputee to win DWTS?
Yes. If Frech wins the season 35 finale, he would become the first amputee champion in the history of Dancing With the Stars.
Who is Ezra Frech’s professional dance partner?
Frech is partnered with Daniella Karagach, a professional dancer on season 35.
Who is Amber Glenn partnered with on DWTS?
Amber Glenn is partnered with Pasha Pashkov. Glenn and Frech are the season’s two athletes and have described themselves as teammates.
When is the DWTS season 35 finale?
The season 35 finale is scheduled for Nov. 24, when the remaining couples will compete for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
