The transition from the balance beam to the ballroom floor has become a celebrated tradition on *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS). As of December 11, 2025, a total of eight Olympic gymnasts have traded their leotards for sequins, consistently proving that their athletic discipline translates perfectly to Latin and Ballroom dancing. The most recent competitor, gold medalist Jordan Chiles, continued this legacy in Season 34, showcasing the incredible coachability and grace that makes these athletes perennial fan favorites and serious contenders for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. The unique blend of strength, flexibility, and performance quality inherent in gymnastics gives these Olympians a distinct advantage over other celebrity contestants. From the youngest winner in the show’s history to the most recent finalist, here is a definitive look at every Olympic gymnast who has competed on DWTS.
The Definitive Roster: All Olympic Gymnasts on Dancing with the Stars
Olympic gymnasts have a remarkable track record on *Dancing with the Stars*, with two winning the competition and nearly all of them making it deep into their respective seasons. Their success is a testament to the intense training, discipline, and performance experience gained from competing on the world stage.
| Gymnast | Olympic Medal | DWTS Season | Professional Partner | Final Placement |
| Shawn Johnson | Gold (2008) | Season 8 & Season 15 (All-Stars) | Mark Ballas & Derek Hough | Winner (Season 8), Runner-Up (Season 15) |
| Aly Raisman | 3x Gold, 2x Silver, 1x Bronze | Season 16 | Mark Ballas | 4th Place |
| Laurie Hernandez | Gold, Silver (2016) | Season 23 | Val Chmerkovskiy | Winner |
| Simone Biles | 4x Gold, 1x Silver, 2x Bronze | Season 24 | Sasha Farber | 4th Place |
| Mary Lou Retton | Gold, 2x Silver, 2x Bronze (1984) | Season 27 | Sasha Farber | 9th Place |
| Suni Lee | Gold, Silver, Bronze (2020) | Season 30 | Sasha Farber | 5th Place |
| Stephen Nedoroscik | Bronze (2024) | Season 33 | Rylee Arnold | 4th Place |
| Jordan Chiles | Silver (2020) | Season 34 | Ezra Sosa | Finalist (Top 4) |
Why Olympic Gymnasts Consistently Dominate the DWTS Ballroom
The success rate of Olympic gymnasts on *Dancing with the Stars* is unmatched by any other group of athletes. Their consistent ability to reach the finals and clinch the Mirrorball Trophy is not a coincidence; it is rooted in the fundamental skills and mental fortitude they developed over decades of elite training.
The Gymnastics Advantage: Flexibility, Coachability, and Endurance
The physical demands of competitive gymnastics provide a unique head start in the ballroom. *
Exceptional Flexibility and Body Control: Gymnasts possess incredible core strength, balance, and flexibility, which are crucial for executing complex ballroom moves like lifts, extensions, and spins. Their innate body awareness allows them to quickly master the intricate footwork and body lines required in dances like the Viennese Waltz and Paso Doble. *
Unwavering Discipline and Coachability: Elite gymnasts are famously coachable. They are accustomed to receiving highly technical feedback and immediately applying it to their performance, a trait that DWTS professional partners value immensely. Their discipline enables them to endure the grueling 40+ hours of weekly rehearsal time that the show demands. *
Performance Experience: Performing in front of judges and large audiences is second nature to an Olympian. This experience helps them manage the pressure of live television and connect with the audience, which is vital for securing viewer votes.
From the Fierce Five to the Current Finalist: Notable Gymnasts’ Journeys
While every gymnast has left an indelible mark on the show, the journeys of the winners and the most recent competitors highlight the enduring power of the gymnastics-to-ballroom pipeline.
The Mirrorball Champions: Shawn Johnson and Laurie Hernandez
Shawn Johnson (Season 8 Winner): Shawn Johnson set the standard for all future gymnasts on the show. Competing at just 17, she became the youngest winner at the time, demonstrating a perfect blend of youthful enthusiasm and technical precision with partner Mark Ballas. Her emotional and powerful routines proved that her competitive fire was just as strong in the ballroom as it was on the Olympic floor. She returned for the All-Stars season (Season 15) and finished as a respectable runner-up.
Laurie Hernandez (Season 23 Winner): The "Human Emoji" Laurie Hernandez captured the hearts of America in 2016. Paired with veteran Val Chmerkovskiy, the duo consistently topped the leaderboard. Her infectious personality and stunning technical execution, particularly in her Samba and Argentine Tango, led her to a decisive victory, solidifying the reputation of gymnasts as the most formidable contenders on the show.
The New Generation: Stephen Nedoroscik and Jordan Chiles
The most recent seasons have continued the trend of gymnastic excellence.
Stephen Nedoroscik (Season 33, 4th Place): Known as the "Pommel Horse Guy," Nedoroscik was a surprising but welcome addition to the cast. Fresh off a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, he brought a unique, powerful, and often humorous energy to the ballroom. Paired with newcomer Rylee Arnold, he proved that male gymnasts, often focused on raw strength, also possess the grace and performance ability to thrive, making it all the way to the semi-finals.
Jordan Chiles (Season 34 Finalist): In the most recent season, Jordan Chiles, a silver medalist from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, showcased a phenomenal balancing act. She managed to compete on DWTS with partner Ezra Sosa while simultaneously attending UCLA and maintaining her elite gymnastics training. Her ability to manage this rigorous schedule while delivering high-scoring routines is a testament to her incredible work ethic and further cemented the legacy of Olympic gymnasts as the ultimate all-around performers on *Dancing with the Stars*.
