Yamaguchi Skates To "Dancing" Win

Olympian Is First Woman To Win The Competition Since Season One

Comments 12

May 21, 2008

(CBS)  Kristi Yamaguchi has a shiny new disco ball trophy to display next to her Olympic gold medal.

The 36-year-old figure skater edged NFL pro Jason Taylor, 33, to win ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" Tuesday night.

"I guess K is a good initial to have," she said, referring to Kelly Monaco, the only other woman to win the contest in the show's six seasons.

---

Photos: Last Waltz On "Dancing"

---

Yamaguchi had a perfect 90 points from the judges for her three performances in the two-part finale. Taylor earned his first perfect 30 for his elegant fox trot Tuesday night. That gave him a total of 81 points, but he didn't get enough viewer votes to beat his heavily-favored opponent.

---

Photos: "Dancing With The Stars" Finale

---

Cristian de la Fuente, who competed in the first part of the finale, was eliminated fifteen minutes into Tuesday's night's show. The 34-year-old actor was at a disadvantage during Monday's freestyle round, because his injured left arm prevented him from doing the athletic lifts executed by the other couples.

Tuesday's two-hour finale featured two performances by singer-dancer Usher. He sang and danced to his new hit "Love In The Club" and performed a jazzy version of his 2004 smash "Yeah."

All the season's contestants were on hand to reprise their favorite dances, and stars from seasons past were in the audience.

By Judy Rosen
© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Back To Top