ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” is now in its 33rd season since its premiere in 2005.
Numerous personalities from the worlds of entertainment, sports and politics have competed for the Mirrorball trophy, and this season is no exception: four athletes have signed up to show off their skills on the dance floor.
Current and former athletes Dwight Howard, Danny Amendola, Stephen Nedoroscik and Ilona Maher will attempt to become the 13th athlete to win the competition.
The premiere of season 33 took place on Tuesday evening and next week there will be a double elimination round in which two of the 13 contestants will be voted out.
Athletes competing on Dancing with the Stars this season
Dwight Howard, former NBA center
Howard played 18 seasons in the NBA and was an eight-time All-Star, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and five-time All-NBA First Team selection.
Danny Amendola, former NFL receiver
Amendola played for five NFL teams during his career, most notably the New England Patriots, with whom he won two Super Bowl championships.
Stephen Nedoroscik, Olympic gymnast
Nedoroscik is best known as a “pommel horse guy” for his performance at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. He won two bronze medals for the USA in the men’s artistic team all-around and on the pommel horse.
Ilona Maher, rugby player for the US national team
Known for her devastating stiff arms in rugby, Maher helped the United States win the sport’s first Olympic medal, taking home the bronze medal.
Athletes who win Dancing with the Stars
Emmitt Smith, Pro Football Hall of Fame running back, Season 3
Apolo Ohno, Olympic speed skating champion, season 4
Hélio Castroneves, four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, Season 5
Kristi Yamaguchi, figure skater and Olympic champion, season 6
Shawn Johnson, Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, season 7
Hines Ward, former NFL receiver and Super Bowl champion, Season 12
Donald Driver, former NFL receiver and Super Bowl champion, Season 14
Meryl Davis, ice dancer and Olympic champion, season 18
Laurie Hernandez, Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, relay 23
Rashad Jennings, former NFL running back, season 24
Adam Rippon, figure skater and Olympic bronze medalist, season 26
Iman Shumpert, former guard and NBA champion, season 30
