The 2026 Winter Olympics are over, but some of the fan favorite Olympians could be back on TVs very soon thanks to Dancing with the Stars! In fact, some Olympians even expressed their desire to compete on DWTS while they were still in Milan. Of course, a spot on DWTS depends on availability. For instance, while it would be cool for some of the USA Women’s Hockey team gold medalists to compete, their schedule probably wouldn’t allow it.
Who are some of the standout 2026 Olympians who should compete on Dancing with the Stars Season 35? Read on below to see a few suggestions.
Olympians often end up competing on DWTS
The ABC hit competition series has featured Olympians in the cast from the very beginning. It hasn’t always been a good idea, as Ryan Lochte was one of the most controversial DWTS contestants ever. But for the most part, Olympians fare very well in the ballroom. After the 2024 Summer Olympics, for instance, Ilona Maher and Stephen Nedoroscik competed on DWTS Season 33. And both made it to the finals. Most recently, Olympian Jordan Chiles won third place on Season 34.
Several Winter Olympians have won the coveted mirrorball trophy, including Meryl Davis, Kristi Yamaguchi, Apolo Ohno, and Adam Rippon. Gymnasts Laurie Hernandez and Shawn Johnson also won the show. Which 2026 Olympians should compete on DWTS and potentially join the winning pack?
Breezy Johnson
Breezy Johnson had one of the most memorable Olympic journeys this year. She won gold in women’s downhill, which was Team USA’s first gold medal of the 2026 games! Then three days later, her boyfriend Corey Watkins proposed to her at the finish line! He incorporated her love for Taylor Swift in the proposal, engraving lyrics from The Alchemy into the ring box. And to make the moment even sweeter, Taylor sent a message to congratulate them on the engagement!
Why not keep this incredibly winning streak running by potentially winning the Dancing with the Stars mirrorball trophy? If she signs up, the 30-year-old would have to dance to a Taylor Swift song at least once!
Breezy’s fellow Team USA skier (and fellow Swiftie) Mikaela Shiffrin would be another strong candidate for DWTS. So would Lindsey Vonn, who has been rumored for DWTS in the past. However, Lindsey’s injury at the Olympics might prevent her from entering the ballroom in just a few months.
Aidan Oldenburg
Aidan Oldenburg was the Winter Olympics’ answer to Stephen Nedoroscik. Viewers everywhere commented on how much they looked alike. In fact, Stephen even sent a message to Aidan because of their constant comparison.
Now, some fans are calling for Aidan to follow in Stephen’s footsteps and sign on for Dancing with the Stars. Considering how popular curling is as a sport, it would make sense for DWTS to cast at least one of the Team USA athletes. Silver medalists Corey Thiesse and Korey Dropkin would also be good choices. If Aidan does compete on the show, he’ll have to incorporate his signature headband into his DWTS costumes!
Madison Chock
Team USA ice dancer Madison Chock is a fan favorite, multi-talented athlete. Many ice dance fans still believe she and Evan Bates were robbed of the gold medal. Even before the Olympics, Madison and Evan earned new fans by appearing on the Netflix docuseries Glitter and Gold.
In addition to being a talented ice dancer, Madi has a second career as a costume designer. She designed her own Olympics costumes, and those for several other skaters, including her ice dance competitors. And she frequently incorporates clothing items into her dances. Like the red skirt in their free dance routine or a white scarf in the Gala skate. Her many skills would be well-served on the DWTS dance floor. Perhaps DWTS could even shake things up by having her husband and ice dance partner Evan on to compete against her!
Ilia Malinin
Ilia Malinin was the most hyped-up athlete going into the 2026 Winter Olympics. He won gold in the team event. But Ilia’s eigth-place finish in the men’s competition was one of the Olympics most shocking moments. Despite this brutal defeat, Ilia earned even more fans for being a good sport, graciously congratulating the gold medalist Mikhail Shaidorov. He also got praise for being open about the Olympic pressure and his mental health.
After his shocking loss, Ilia showed a new side of his artistry in the Gala skate, an emotionally resonant routine about mental health and social media set to Fear by NF. The self-proclaimed “quad god” impressively landed his signature quads wearing a hoodie and jeans. If he signs up for DWTS, he would be a fierce competitor. And not just because of his incredible backflips!
Amber Glenn
Amber Glenn already expressed her desire to appear on Dancing with the Stars this season! In an interview with mirrorball trophy winner Adam Rippon, Amber gushed that she “loves everything about” DWTS, and called it a post-Olympics bucket list item.
Amber is a true inspiration. The openly queer athlete bravely stood up and spoke out for LGBTQ+ rights at the Olympic games. And she gave one of the Olympics’ best comeback stories. After a disappointing short program, Amber bounced back with a near-perfect free skate, jumping from 13th place to fifth. At the end of the games, she brought the house down with a stunning Gala routine to Lady Gaga’s cover of That’s Life.
Many viewers would love to continue rooting for Amber by watching her on DWTS. Let’s hope her dream becomes a reality!
Alysa Liu
If anyone was the breakout star of the Milan Olympics, it’s Alysa Liu. Like her fellow “Blade Angel” Amber, Alysa’s perseverance and individuality made her an inspiration. Her signature striped hair, “smiley” piercing, and ice skating costumes made her a style icon overnight. From Donna Summer to Laufey, she always chose perfect music. That would surely continue if she competed on Dancing with the Stars.
As the first USA ice skater to win a gold medal in 24 years, Alysa must be in high demand for all sorts of competition shows. In addition to DWTS, Alysa could also follow in the footsteps of fellow gold medalist Tara Lipinski and appear on The Traitors. If there’s one thing that was clear from Alysa’s story, it’s that she does what she wants, and achieves her goals. So, if she wants to be on Dancing with the Stars, she will be. And she’d almost certainly make it to the finals.
Dancing with the Stars is available to stream on Disney +.
TELL US – WHICH 2026 OLYMPIANS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ON DANCING WITH THE STARS?
