Ezra Frech, a remarkable young athlete, is making waves on the popular television show *Dancing with the Stars*, showcasing his extraordinary talent and resilience. The 21-year-old Paralympian, who has built a career as a two-time gold medalist in track and field, is competing with professional dancer Daniella Karagach in the show’s 35th season.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/DWTS-ezra-frech-danielle-karagach-101326-eccfe321837e4371b5e75dd4b5d3b961.jpg)
Frech, who was born with congenital limb differences, has had a challenging journey growing up. He candidly recalls his early experiences, stating, “Everywhere you go in public, people are staring and pointing fingers and whispering. I felt like a zoo animal for many of those early years.” Yet, despite these challenges, he has emerged not only as an accomplished athlete but also as a powerful advocate for individuals with disabilities.
His participation in *Dancing with the Stars* marks a significant milestone; he is only the fourth amputee to compete on the show, following notable figures such as Heather Mills and Amy Purdy. Distinctively, Frech is the first contestant to perform using a mechanical knee. His journey began with the loss of his left shin bone and knee at an early age, and through surgery, he transferred his big toe to his left hand to create a thumb.
Frech has shown impressive performance on the dancefloor, consistently ranking high on the leaderboard. The process of mastering each routine involves navigating the use of both walking and running prosthetics, a task he admits requires “a lot of trial and error.” His experiences with *Dancing with the Stars* have inspired him to continue advocating for representation of people with disabilities in mainstream media.
Growing up in Los Angeles as the eldest of three boys, Frech found solace and support through his family and his passion for sports. Engaging in basketball, soccer, and football provided an escape from the challenges posed by his disabilities, allowing him to enjoy life as a regular kid. “I could separate myself from the identity of always being a kid with a disability and just be one of the guys,” he recalls.
Frech’s transformative moment came in 2016 when he was captivated by the Paralympic Games in Rio. Watching the athletes compete sparked a fire within him, inspiring him to aim for the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics. Although he finished fifth in the high jump and eighth in the long jump, he cherished the experiences. In contrast, his journey culminated in success at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, where he won gold in both the 100-metre dash and the high jump. “There’s nothing like your first gold,” he expressed, highlighting the magic of that moment.
Currently, Frech has paused his studies at the University of Southern California to focus on his training for the upcoming LA28 Paralympic Games. Despite the fierce competition, he remains grounded in his commitment to supporting the disabled community through his nonprofit, Angel City Sports, which he co-founded in 2013 with his father. This organisation aims to make adaptive sports accessible throughout Southern California, with Frech firmly believing in the profound impact of sports on individuals with disabilities.
“I was put on this earth to normalise the experience of living with a disability,” Frech states, as he also dreams of expanding his advocacy work on a global scale. As he juggles his commitments, he remains focused on his dance routines for *Dancing with the Stars*, expressing his newfound love for dancing and the friendships he has formed, particularly with Karagach. “We’re always having the best time together. I know I’m going to be friends with her for the rest of my life,” he shares.
*Dancing with the Stars* airs every Tuesday evening on ABC, providing audiences with inspiring performances and stories of determination. Whether Frech walks away with another gold medal or the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, he embodies resilience and hope for many, proving that there truly is nothing he cannot achieve.