Evan Lysacek was the first Olympic figure skater who competed on Dancing With The Stars, and it’s time to catch up with the reality TV star. While there have since been many figure skaters on one of the oldest best reality TV shows, Evan set the precedent. The tradition started in 2010 when Evan was cast on DWTS season 10 after a notable performance in the Olympic Games. Eventually, Evan got second place during the season, losing to singer Nicole Scherzinger and professional dancer Derek Hough. With Dancing With The Stars season 33 premiering in 2024, it’s hard to believe Evan appeared on the show over a decade ago.
The Chicago native debuted his Dancing With The Stars shortly after winning the gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. In the decade since Evan competed in Vancouver, no other American figure skater has won an individual gold medal in the Olympics. Evan’s gold medal followed a series of other incredible wins, including the 2009 World Championship, which he won with an injured foot. In 2010, he was also named Sportsman of the Year by the United States Olympic Committee.
Evan Retired After The 2010 Olympics and DWTS
Evan Lysacek certainly had a lot of achievements over the years, which include his DWTS stint. However, Vancouver ended up being his last time competing at the Winter Olympics. He hoped to qualify for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, but after a hip injury, he retired in 2014. That same year, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in commercial real estate. In 2015, the multi-talented Evan worked in fashion for Vera Wang, who had designed many of his skating costumes back in the day. With that said, he hasn’t put skating behind him completely. In January 2016, Evan was inducted into the US Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
Evan Thrives In His Personal Life After DWTS
While Evan’s skating career may have ended, he is thriving personally. Evan married real estate developer Duangpatra “Dang” Bodiratnangkura in 2019. The ceremony was held in Bangkok, Thailand, at the bride’s family estate. The two lovebirds first met in 2011, although they did not start dating right away. They couldn’t get the timing right until they reconnected roughly two years before they wed. Evan proposed in Miami on April 1st, 2019, Dang’s birthday. Guests at the wedding included fellow notable Olympic medalist Tessa Virtue.
Dancing With The Stars is only one part of Evan’s many accomplishments. The same is true of Johnny Weir, who has enjoyed an extensive career since retiring from the sport. Now that season 29 is up and running; it remains to be seen if Johnny will get as far as Evan on the show or even win it all as Adam Rippon did. Hopefully, he continues to thrive.