Fabian Hambüchen, the 37-year-old former German gymnast, is stepping into the world of dance by participating in the 2025 season of 'Let's Dance.' Known for his remarkable career in gymnastics, Hambüchen’s decision to join the popular dance show is quite the turnaround from his previous dismissive comments regarding dance competitions.
In 2019, he expressed that "Tanz-Shows sind nichts für mich" (dance shows are not for me), reflecting a reluctance towards such platforms. However, Hambüchen's perspective appears to have evolved. Excited about the new challenge, he stated, "I am very happy to be a part of 'Let's Dance' because it is a great challenge for me and I have to step out of my comfort zone. It will be very exciting, and I have the utmost respect for the performance of each participant. I will give it my all and try to get as far as possible."
Hambüchen's venture into dance is not just driven by his career challenges; his personal life also significantly influences his decisions. He met his wife, Viktoria, in a CrossFit class in 2020, and they were civilly married in July 2022 after a romantic proposal on the Maldives. Their relationship has flourished, as the gymnast shared, "My wife was ultimately the reason for my participation. She said, 'Look, you’re not doing that badly. You should participate in 'Let's Dance.'"
The couple has a strong bond not only in their personal lives but also in their shared passion for fitness. They are known to frequently train together, which they believe positively impacts their relationship. As Viktoria explained, the hormones released during exercise contribute to their intimate life, making it more vibrant.
Before he embarks on his dance journey, it's worth noting Hambüchen's past achievements in gymnastics. Born on October 25, 1987, in Wetzlar, he was raised in a sports-driven family. His father, Michael Hambüchen, was a successful gymnastics coach, sparking Fabian's interest in the sport from a young age. At just five years old, he joined the Turnverein "KTV 68" and quickly established a name for himself.
Hambüchen’s athletic prowess led him to significant accomplishments, including winning Olympic gold on the horizontal bar in 2016 in Rio. His accolades also consist of a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and multiple championships stemming from his dominance on the horizontal bar, with titles in 2007, 2011, and 2014. Known for his astounding technique and skill, he was dubbed the "Turnfloh" or "Gymnast Flea" in the media, highlighting his agility in a relatively small stature of 1.63 meters.
Despite his retirement from professional gymnastics in December 2017, Hambüchen has remained active in the media. He has made appearances on shows such as 'TV Total Turmspringen,' 'Catch!,' and many others, showcasing his personality beyond gymnastics. However, his foray into television did not come without its complications; in 2021, he suffered a severe injury during the show 'Catch!', tearing his cruciate ligament and meniscus, which required surgery.
Hambüchen's private life has also seen its share of public curiosity. He has been open about his past relationships, which included a brief romance with Marcia Ev in 2015 and another with Nina, a sports student. Both relationships ended, but he expressed fond memories of the time spent together.
As for future plans, it appears Hambüchen and Viktoria are enjoying life as newlyweds with no immediate plans for children, as they currently care for their dog, Seppi, who they consider part of their family.
His participation in 'Let's Dance' not only illustrates his willingness to challenge himself in new arenas but also reflects the support from his wife, a connection they both cherish. As they engage in this journey together, they serve as a testament to strong partnerships that thrive on trust, shared values, and love for physical fitness.
