Name: Evan Lysacek
Age: 24
Where to see him: If you tuned in to the Winter Olympics last month you probably remember this gorgeous face heating up the ice and winning the US a gold medal in men's figure skating -- the first American win since 1988! And now, this guy is trading in his ice skates for dancing shoes, joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars, premiering on March 22!
Why we love him: Let's face it, athletes are totally hot and the fact that he's a guy with balance and rhythm only makes him that much more to die for. This Illinois native has been skating ever since he was eight years old when his grandma brought him his first pair of ice skates. Though he initially wanted to play hockey, we think he's done quite well for himself figure skating his way to being the 2010 Olympic Champion and 2009 World Champion! Not only is he good on the ice, he's also a good sport with a total chill personality! During the US Figure Skating Championships, Evan took a spill in the middle of his routine but got right back up with a smile, unfazed! What had to be absolutely embarrassing, this professional took like a champ! Not to mention his routine still took home second place.
He talks about... hard work paying off: "I couldn't have asked for much more than that," Evan said about winning the gold medal. "To get a personal best in the most important moment of my life -- you dream about it. Worlds rejuvenated my love for skating, but it also confirmed to me that the most important thing about figure skating is the daily training that goes on at home. This year I've worked harder than I ever have before to prepare for this competition. The whole season has been building toward this and waiting for that clean skate the whole season, and to get it in most important moment is pretty special."
Now we want to hear from YOU, J-14ers! Do you think Evan is HOT or NOT? Let us know in the comments below!
--By Nicole Mazza
Photo: Courtesy of ABC/CRAIG SJODIN
