Olympic bronze medalists Ilona Maher and Stephen Nedoroscik delivered stellar performances in the Dancing with the Stars Season 33 finale. Maher, a rugby star, secured second place behind “The Bachelor” alum Joey Graziadei, while gymnast Nedoroscik finished fourth. Actress and singer Chandler Kinney rounded out the top three.
Maher and Nedoroscik both aimed to join the ranks of Olympian winners on the show, a group that includes Apolo Ohno, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Laurie Hernandez. Though neither claimed the mirrorball trophy, Maher became the first Olympic or Paralympic athlete to finish runner-up since Paralympian snowboarder Amy Purdy in 2014.
Ilona Maher Marks Historic Firsts and Olympic Legacies
The finale capped off a season of milestones. Maher was the first rugby player to compete on Dancing with the Stars, while Nedoroscik became the first male gymnast to participate. Their dancing prowess mirrored their Olympic achievements, showcasing versatility and dedication.
Maher made history at the Paris Olympics as part of the U.S. women’s rugby sevens team that secured the nation’s first medal in the sport. Nedoroscik also contributed to a historic moment, clinching the bronze medal in the men’s team gymnastics final with his standout pommel horse routine.
While Graziadei’s charm and performances won over the judges and audience, Ilona Maher and Nedoroscik’s journeys added a fresh dimension to the show’s legacy of featuring Olympians. Both proved that their competitive spirit extends beyond their athletic arenas, inspiring fans along the way.
