Paralympian Ezra Frech’s reasons for competing on Dancing With the Stars are personal and powerful.
“This is my purpose. I want to change the way the world sees disability,” Frech, 21, exclusively shared with Us on Wednesday, September 2, after the full cast for season 35 was revealed on Good Morning America. “I literally feel like I was put on this earth for that reason, and I’ve attempted to do it through track and field my whole life, and then now I get the opportunity to hopefully do that through dance.”
Frech — who was born with congenital limb differences, leading to the amputation of his left leg at the age of 3 — previously won two gold medals at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.
When not competing in high jump, long jump and sprinting events, the University of Southern California grad is serving as a motivational speaker and disability advocate.
“I am leaning in 100 percent,” Frech shared about his journey into the ballroom. “I want to make my community proud, and hopefully, we can do something special this season.”
While it’s too soon for Frech and his DWTS partner, Daniella Karagach, to finalize a team name, the pair are already displaying great chemistry as they prepare to perform their first dance in front of judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.
“I feel like we’re pretty compatible,” Frech shared from New York City. “She’s already big sis.”
Karagach, 33, added, “I’m protector energy. I’m bringing that mother protector energy.”
Ezra Frech Andrew Eccles/Disney
While some in the competition like Jenna Dewan and Harry Shum Jr. may have some prior dance experience, Frech admitted his athletic skills are primarily from a track field.
When asked if DWTS is harder than competing in the Paralympics, Frech didn’t hesitate in his answer.
“Definitely Dancing with the Stars. The Paralympics and track and field. I grew up doing this since I was 8 years old,” he explained. “It’s my bread and butter, and now I’m throwing all that to the back burner for a couple months and gonna try to do everything I can to become a ballroom dancer.”
Fortunately, he has a coach who is already impressed.
“You’re getting there,” Karagach said. “It’s only been a week, and you’re really getting there.”
Dancing With the Stars season 35 kicks off with a two-night premiere on ABC and Disney+ Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16, at 8 p.m. ET.
