Athletes are competitive by nature, so it seems only natural that an athlete has won five of eight grueling seasons of “Dancing With the Stars.” Four more athletes will be among the cast of 16 when ABC launches Season 9 on Sept. 21. It’s a formula that has worked. RedEye looks back at the “DWTS” champions.
Season 3
Emmitt Smith
Partner: Cheryl Burke
Athlete cred: Four NFL rushing titles, the NFL’s all-time rushing leader and the all-time rushing touchdown leader. Oh, and three Super Bowl titles with the Dallas Cowboys — before Tony Romo came to town.
Season 4
Apolo Anton Ohno
Partner: Julianne Hough
Athlete cred: The flashy speedskater is a five-time Olympic medalist, including a gold in 2002. Plus, he has that suave ‘do and cute soul patch.
Season 5
Helio Castroneves
Partner: Julianne Hough
Athlete cred: The hottie Brazilian IndyCar driver has won the prestigious Indianapolis 500 three times. Not bad for driving around in circles.
Season 6
Kristi Yamaguchi
Partner: Mark Ballas
Athlete cred: Winter Olympics figure skating champ in 1992. That she managed to get through the competition in the middle of winter only solidifies … oh, it was inside? Never mind.
Season 8
Shawn Johnson
Partner: Mark Ballas
Athlete cred: She won a gold and three silver medals at last summer’s Olympics in Beijing. She also won an ESPY award as best female Olympian. Sadly, she came up short in the best male Olympian competition.
