Summary (tl;dr)

Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech is trending in entertainment news following the announcement that he will compete on the upcoming 35th season of "Dancing with the Stars."

Essential Background

Ezra Frech is an American Paralympic track and field athlete born with congenital limb differences, undergoing a left leg amputation at two years old. He has become a prominent figure in adaptive sports, competing in the 2020 and 2024 Summer Paralympics, where he notably secured two gold medals in the 100 meters and high jump at the 2024 Paris Games, setting a Paralympic record in the high jump. Beyond his athletic prowess, Frech is a motivational speaker, disability advocate, and co-founder of Angel City Sports, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to providing adaptive sport opportunities for youth, adults, and veterans with physical differences. He is also pursuing a degree in cinematic arts at the University of Southern California.

The Full Story

Ezra Frech is currently trending as he makes a significant move into mainstream entertainment, having been revealed on September 2, 2026, as a contestant for "Dancing with the Stars" Season 35. He will be partnered with professional dancer Daniella Karagach Pashkova on the popular ABC reality competition. This marks Frech as reportedly the second Paralympic gold medalist to ever compete on the show, drawing considerable attention to his involvement and the broader conversation around disability representation in entertainment.

Why It Matters

Frech's appearance on "Dancing with the Stars" is a pivotal moment for disability representation and inclusion within mainstream media. It significantly elevates the platform for Paralympic athletes and adaptive sports, challenging existing perceptions of disability and showcasing the capabilities of individuals with limb differences. This increased visibility aligns with Frech's mission to inspire others and highlight the power of sport as a catalyst for social change, especially as global interest builds towards the LA28 Paralympic Games.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (Ezra Frech's hometown, location of Angel City Sports, where he studies cinematic arts, and where "Dancing with the Stars" is filmed)
• Paris, Île-de-France, France (location of the 2024 Summer Paralympics where Frech won two gold medals)