Adam Rippon, the Team USA figure skater who rose to prominence in February’s Winter Olympics, was crowned champion of Season 26 of “Dancing with the Stars” Monday night.
Rippon beat out Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman and former figure skater Tonya Harding in the final episode of the four-week, all-athletes edition of the reality dancing competition.
Rippon became the first openly gay American man to medal at the Winter Olympics when he earned a bronze medal in this year’s team event.
The figure skater also made headlines at the Winter Games when he said he would not meet with Vice President Mike Pence, who led the U.S. delegation in South Korea, because of Pence’s views on LGBT rights and alleged support of “gay conversion therapy.”
Rippon earned a perfect 30 out of 30 for a jazz routine and a 28 out of 30 for his freestyle choice.
Norman is entering his third season with the Redskins. He and his partner scored a 30 out of 30 for a freestyle routine to “Walk on Water” by 30 Seconds to Mars and a 27 out of 30 for a foxtrot.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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