Paralympian Ezra Frech scores big in history-making 'DWTS’ debut
Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech made a strong first impression in the ballroom Tuesday night, earning one of the highest scores of the "Dancing with the Stars" season 35 premiere.
Frech, 21, and his professional partner Daniella Karagach performed a tango to Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone," earning a 20 out of 30 from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. The score put the pair in second place for the night, just one point behind Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson, who topped the leaderboard with a 21.
Frech, who was born with congenital limb differences and had his left leg amputated above the knee as a young child, is one of only a handful of contestants to compete on "Dancing with the Stars."
Paralympian Amy Purdy, a double below-the-knee amputee, competed in season 18 in 2014, finishing as runner-up with Hough. Army veteran Noah Galloway, who lost his left arm and leg while serving in Iraq, competed the following year and finished third.
Purdy was in the ballroom Tuesday to support Frech, bringing the moment full circle for Hough. The judge became emotional while reacting to Frech's performance, recalling his season dancing with Purdy.
Purdy later celebrated Frech's debut on social media, writing that she was "#TeamEzra" and praising the energy inside the ballroom.
Shortly before Tuesday’s live episode, Frech shared a message of gratitude on Instagram, reflecting on what it meant to represent the disabled community on the show and thanking Karagach for her support.
“Means the world to get to represent the disabled community on such a powerful stage like @dancingwiththestars,” Frech wrote in part. He called Karagach his “fearless leader,” “best teacher” and “big sis,” adding that the pair had put their “whole hearts” into the dance.
Frech is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist who won the 100-meter T63 and high jump T63 events at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. He is also a world champion and world-record holder.
"Dancing with the Stars" continues its two-night season premiere Wednesday on ABC and Disney+.
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