When Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin announced that she would be joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars, fans of the show were excited to see her skills on the dance floor. Liukin, who won five Olympic medals during her gymnastics career, was no stranger to the pressures of competition.
As the season progressed, Liukin quickly emerged as one of the top performers on the show. Her precision and grace on the dance floor wowed the judges, and she consistently earned high scores week after week.
A Winning Partnership
One of the reasons for Liukin's success on the show was her partnership with professional dancer Derek Hough. Hough, who had previously won the competition five times, was known for his ability to bring out the best in his partners.
Together, Liukin and Hough performed some of the most memorable routines of the season. From their flawless Viennese Waltz to their high-energy Jive, the duo consistently impressed both the judges and the audience.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite her success on the show, Liukin faced several challenges during her time on Dancing with the Stars. One of the biggest challenges was learning the different dance styles, many of which were completely foreign to her.
However, Liukin was determined to succeed and put in countless hours of practice each week. Her hard work paid off, as she continued to improve with each passing week.
A Touching Tribute
One of the most emotional moments of Liukin's time on the show was her tribute to her father, who had been her coach and biggest supporter throughout her gymnastics career. Liukin and Hough performed a touching Foxtrot to the song "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts, which left both the judges and the audience in tears.
A Near Miss
As the season drew to a close, Liukin found herself in the final three with Riker Lynch and Rumer Willis. While she had consistently earned high scores throughout the competition, it was ultimately Willis who took home the Mirrorball Trophy.
Despite the disappointment of not winning, Liukin remained gracious and thanked both her partner and the fans for their support throughout the season.
A New Chapter
Since her time on Dancing with the Stars, Liukin has continued to stay active in the world of gymnastics. She has also pursued other opportunities, including a role as a commentator for NBC during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
While her time on the show may be over, Liukin's journey on Dancing with the Stars will be remembered as one of the most impressive in the show's history.