It seems like an athlete wins nearly every season of Dancing with the Stars, doesn’t it?
Looking ahead to Season 26, however, we can say with absolute certainty:
An athlete WILL win Dancing with the Stars.
This is because the ABC competition will air a special four-week event in which only current and former athletes compete.
Pretty cool concept, right?
With the exception of the inclusion of a certain disgraced figure skater who almost definitely played a role in assaulting her main rival at the Olympics back in the 1990s.
Who are we talking about?
Who are the players set to take Dancing with the Stars field next season? Scroll down. Find out!
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer will be paid with Lindsay Arnold as he attempts to dunk all over the competition.
Johnny Damon
Teamed with Emma Slater, the speedy ex-centerfielder will hope to run (and dance!) circles around all his ballroom foes.
Tonya Harding
Tonya Harding is going from the ice to the dance floor… and all other athletes would be well served to don knee braces all season long.
Adam Rippon
Adam Rippon will partner with Jenna Johnson as one of the only ice skater on Season 26 who did NOT try to take out a rival via physical assault.
Josh Norman
The NFL cornerback will have Sharna Burgess by his side when he tries to intercept the chances of anyone else to win this season.
Mirai Nagasu
We know Mirai Nagasu can do a triple lutz. But will she and Allen Bersten twirl their way to the Mirrorball Trophy?
Chris Mazdzer
Chris Mazdzer drive the luge for America at the 2018 Olympics. Now, he hopes to steer himself and Witney Carson to victory!
Jamie Anderson
Jamie Anderson can do some crazy tricks on the snowboard. But what will she and Artem Chigvintsev have up their sleeves on Season 26?
Jennie Finch
The softball legend and Keo Motsepe will do all they can to not strike out this season. They’ll try to hit a home run, we’re sure!
Arike Ogunbowale
Arike Ogunbowale nailed the game-winning basket in the NCAA title game for Notre Dame in 2018. She will now attempt to loft figurative floaters over everyone else on Season 26, along with Gleb Savchenko.
So… Who Will Win?
We don’t know for sure. But Rippon will have the footwork and the crowd support in his corner. He’s our early favorite.
Who Will NOT Win?
Harding. Harding. Please, God, and Dancing with the Stars voters… tell us the answer to this question is Tonya Harding.
When Does the Season Start?
Dancing with the Stars: Athletes kicks off on Monday, April 30 at 8/7c on ABC. Will you be tuning in?