Twelve years after Amy Purdy made history as the first Paralympian to compete on Dancing with the Stars, fellow Paralympian Ezra Frech made his debut on the show’s Season 35 premiere.
Frech and professional dancer Daniella Karagach performed a tango to Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” on Sept. 15. Their choreography incorporated Frech’s prosthetic leg rather than attempting to minimize its role in the routine.
Purdy watched from the ballroom and later celebrated Frech’s performance on Instagram. She described herself as “#TeamEzra for life” and praised the atmosphere inside the ballroom while cheering for him.
The connection between the two athletes extends beyond DWTS. Purdy has said she has known Frech since he was a child and previously described him as one of the most remarkable athletes she knows. She also highlighted the significance of another amputee and Paralympian representing the community on the series.
What Made Frech’s Performance Different
Frech explained before his performance that his amputation differs significantly from Purdy’s. He noted that Purdy is a below-the-knee amputee, while he has an above-the-knee amputation and does not have control over the lower portion of his prosthetic.
That difference created specific challenges during rehearsals. Frech told Karagach that his prosthetic could buckle if his movements were slightly off, while Karagach explained that moving smoothly in a straight line was difficult for him on his running blade. The pair consequently developed choreography using side-steps.
Frech was born with a congenital limb difference. According to Yardbarker, he was missing his left knee and fibula and had only one finger on his left hand. He received his first prosthetic leg at 11 months old.
When Frech was nearly 3, doctors amputated the non-functioning lower portion of his left leg to make prosthetic use more comfortable. During the same surgery, a toe from the amputated foot was transplanted onto his left hand to improve his ability to grip objects.
After the routine, Frech told Julianne Hough that he and Karagach deliberately chose to embrace the challenges associated with his disability rather than hide them.
The approach resonated with viewers and fellow contestants, with social-media reactions describing the performance as “insane” and “unreal.” The judges also responded positively, awarding Frech and Karagach the second-highest score of the premiere’s first night.
Frech is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist who competes in the T63 100-meter, long jump and high jump. Purdy reached the DWTS finals with Derek Hough in 2014.
The second night of Dancing with the Stars Season 35’s premiere week is scheduled for Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. ET, featuring the female celebrities and their professional partners.
