Chris Mazdzer and Dancing with the Stars: What to Know

Chris Mazdzer, an American luger best known as the first U.S. male to medal in singles luge at the Winter Olympics, joined Dancing with the Stars in season 26 as a professional dancer. He was paired with Olympic gymnast Suni Lee. The couple competed through several themed weeks, showcasing choreographed routines in ballroom and Latin styles. This overview explains Mazdzer’s DWTS season, performance highlights, final placement, and how the experience fit into his broader athletic and media presence.

Background: Chris Mazdzer as an Athlete

Before DWTS, Mazdzer built a decorated career in luge. He earned a silver medal in men’s singles luge at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, representing the United States. He also medaled at World Championships and World Cup events, establishing himself as one of the top American sliders. His participation in DWTS season 26 marked his first high-profile televised reality competition, expanding his visibility beyond niche sports audiences.

Olympic Achievements

Mazdzer’s 2018 Olympic silver was a historic breakthrough for U.S. luge. The achievement drew sustained media attention and positioned him as a mainstream sports personality. It also lent credibility and public interest to his DWTS appearance, as fans followed his transition from sliding tracks to the dance floor.

Season 26: Celebrity and Professional Partner

In season 26 of Dancing with the Stars, Chris Mazdzer was matched with gymnast Suni Lee. They performed a range of dances including the cha-cha-cha, waltz, jive, and contemporary-inspired routines. Judges offered feedback on timing, technique, and showmanship, while the couple navged the competition’s progressive elimination format. Their partnership highlighted contrasts in athletic backgrounds and required adjustments in pacing, musicality, and staging.

Notable Performances and Scores

Week	Dance	Score	Result
Week 1	Cha-cha-cha	21	Safe
Week 2	Waltz	23	Safe
Week 3	Jive	24	Safe
Week 4	Contemporary	26	Safe
Week 5	Salsa	23	Eliminated

Dance Style Challenges

Mazdzer’s background in luge involved linear speed, ice control, and minimal lateral movement. Dancing required him to develop footwork, posture, and rhythmic versatility. Salsa tested coordination and hip action; waltz emphasized frame and glide; jive demanded quick footwork and upbeat timing. Coaches adjusted routines to leverage his comfort with momentum while addressing balance and expression.

Results and Elimination

Mazdzer and Lee reached week 5 of competition before being eliminated. Their consistent weekly scores and public reception indicated solid but not standout progress relative to other contestants. The couple exited during a double elimination round, concluding their run with a final group performance. Their placement fell outside the top three, though they were generally regarded as a stable, improving partnership.

Post-Season Impact and Public Reception

After DWTS, Mazdzer returned to luge and maintained presence in sports media. His participation was praised for introducing luge to audiences who might not otherwise follow winter sports. Fans and commentators noted his professionalism, improvement on the show, and willingness to step outside his athletic comfort zone. The experience complemented rather than overshadowed his core identity as an elite slider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sport does Chris Mazdzer compete in? He is a luger specializing in men’s singles luge.
Which Olympic medal has Mazdzer won? He won a silver medal in men’s singles luge at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Who was Chris Mazdzer’s DWTS partner? He was partnered with gymnast Suni Lee on season 26 of Dancing with the Stars.
How long did Mazdzer stay on Dancing with the Stars? He competed from premiere week through week 5, when he was eliminated.
Did Mazdzer win Dancing with the Stars? No, he was eliminated before the finale and finished outside the top three.

Comparison with Other Season 26 Professionals

Professional	Celebrity Partner	Result	Notable Traits
Alan Bersten	Hannah Brown	Runner-up	Strong Latin, consistent high scores
Derek Hough	Charli D’Amelio	Winner	Choreography leadership, showmanship
Keo Motsepe	Gabrielle Reece	Mid-season elimination	Versatile styles, athletic background
Chris Mazdzer	Suni Lee	Week 5 elimination	First-time pro, luge background, steady improvement

Key Takeaways

Chris Mazdzer joined Dancing with the Stars season 26 as a professional dancer paired with Suni Lee.
His luge background brought unique athleticism and discipline to ballroom routines.
He and Lee consistently scored in the mid-to-high 20s, remaining competitive through week 4.
They were eliminated in week 5 during a double-elimination round.
The experience broadened his public profile while reinforcing his primary identity as an elite winter athlete.

Bottom Line

Chris Mazdzer’s stint on Dancing with the Stars was a high-profile extension of his athletic career rather than a pivot. His season with partner Suni Lee demonstrated steady improvement and solid execution across multiple dance styles. Although the couple did not advance to the finale, Mazdzer’s participation introduced luge to a broader audience and added a notable chapter to his public-facing story without diluting his core achievements on the sliding track.

U.S. luge team at the Winter Olympics
Dancing with the Stars professional dancers season 26
Winter sports crossover into mainstream television

Methodology and Sources

Information in this overview draws from official DWTS season records, network air dates and results summaries, and verified reporting on Mazdzer’s Olympic career. Scores, placements, and pairing details reflect the published season 26 competition data. No speculative or promotional language is used; the aim is to provide a reliable, evergreen reference that remains accurate beyond the original broadcast cycle.