Over the past 12 seasons that " Dancing With the Stars" has been airing there has been six professional athletes that have gone on to win and hold the coveted disco ball trophy. This past week Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers took home the coveted mirror ball trophy on the hit show and joined its winning group of alumni Athletes. Ward, a Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and former Super Bowl most valuable player, credits his professional dance partner, Kym Johnson, with their dance victory. He plans to keep his new mirror ball right next to his Super Bowl trophy.
Originally the show premiered in the UK in 2000 before premiering stateside in 2005. In the seven years that American audiences have been enjoying pop culture icons dance their have been three Olympians, two football stars and one race-car driver have been named “Dancing” champs. Three other NFL stars and an Olympic skater finished the popular show in second place.
Professional athletes actively use their bodies for their work, so they have the mental discipline and physical fitness to train and adapt to the challenges of competitive dancing. They’re also more likely than other candidates to avoid over-training, said casting director Deena Katz. Ward consistently posted high scores throughout the 10-week competition, and judges praised his showmanship and dedication. The thrill of competition is something that all athletes share including dancers. Competitors are always aiming to be better than they are because they know and understand that the only real competition is yourself. That the heart of an athlete, to constantly and consistently improving and increasing, strength, speed and agility.
“It’s special,” the 35-year-old said, glittery trophy in hand. “With football, it takes all 53 guys. With this mirror ball, it was just Kym and I together in the studio putting in the hours. I’m just glad I didn’t let her down.”
This quote from Ward speaks to the dedication that it takes to be the best. Whether in the athletic arena or the stage nothing gets done without putting in the required amount of blood sweat and tears. Ward consistently posted high scores throughout the 10-week competition, and judges praised his showmanship and dedication. I assume Ward like past athletic winners put the athletes mind set into action when studying dance. Dedication is another fine attribute that dancing artist share with traditional athletes but don't get it twisted dancers are athletes too. “His commitment was especially evident after Johnson suffered a serious neck injury during rehearsals two weeks ago. The couple triumphantly returned to the dance floor, earning perfect scores for their performance and drawing tears from Ward, Johnson and judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
Besides Ward, the other athletic “Dancing” champs are NFL star Emmitt Smith, speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno, IndyCar driver Helio Castroneves, figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi and gymnast Shawn Johnson. Football stars Jason Taylor, Warren Sapp and Jerry Rice were runners-up on the show, as was Olympic skater Evan Lysacek.
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