Fabian Hambüchen, the German gymnastics sensation, is taking his talents to a new stage on February 21, 2025, as he joins the cast of the popular dance competition show, "Let's Dance". Known for his remarkable achievements on the balance beam, Hambüchen is ready to shimmy into the spotlight, proving once again that he is more than just an athlete.
In his debut during the Kennenlern-Show, Hambüchen wowed audiences with a lively Quickstep to Lady Gaga's "Good Morning" and earned a respectable score of 15 points. Fans can expect impressive moves as he continues to pair with his permanent dance partner, Anastasia Maruster.
During his first official appearance, the pair lit up the floor with an energetic Jive to "Footloose," impressing both the audience and judges alike with a score of 23 points. This performance set a high bar for the competition, establishing Hambüchen as a contender to watch.
As if that wasn’t enough, he followed up with a suave Samba to the Bee Gees' "Stayin’ Alive" in the second show, securing 20 points, proving he is no stranger to rhythm and versatility on the dance floor. The positive feedback kept rolling in, particularly from judge Joachim Llambi, who praised him for his dedication and skill: "With a lot of dedication danced. You are so good!" This affectionate recognition hints at Hambüchen’s potential to be a strong competitor in the show.
Hambüchen’s trajectory in this competition has been nothing short of remarkable. In his third performance, he graced the floor with a heartfelt Waltz to Frank Sinatra's "Melody of Love," earning a high score of 26 points—the second-best of the evening. The judges couldn't contain their excitement, noting his improved poise and emotional expression, underscoring his growth not just as a dancer but as an artist.
The former gymnast's move from elite sports to television does not come as a surprise to his fans. Hambüchen has a long history in gymnastics, where he was crowned world champion in 2007 and earned an Olympic bronze in 2008, followed by a silver medal in 2012 and a historic gold medal in 2016 at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. These accomplishments have etched him into the annals of sports history.
Born in Bergisch Gladbach and later moving to Wetzlar, Hambüchen first encountered gymnastics while watching his father and older brother practice. His fascination led him to begin training himself at the tender age of three. His exceptional talent was evident early on as he participated in international competitions beginning at just twelve years old.
Hambüchen’s competitive history is decorated with achievements. He has turned out for various Bundesliga teams, with significant stints at KTV Straubenhardt and Mainz 05. His international accolades include silver at the 2012 London Olympics, and another silver at the 2013 World Championships in Antwerp. He also claimed gold during the Summer Universiade in Kazan in 2013, further solidifying his reputation on the global stage.
After his retirement from gymnastics, Hambüchen pivoted to a career in sports commentary, appearing as an expert and reporter at numerous Olympic events, including the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang and Beijing. Having transitioned smoothly into media, he is not new to the entertainment world. His versatility has been showcased on various platforms, including participation in the high-stakes game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and multiple seasons of "Klein gegen Groß – Das unglaubliche Duell" on ARD.
In his personal life, Hambüchen’s journey to happiness took an uplifting turn when he proposed to Viktor Feldbusch in January 2022 during a romantic trip to the Maldives. Their nuptials took place in July of the same year, marking a new chapter for the couple. These personal triumphs coincided beautifully with his professional ones, demonstrating that Hambüchen is thriving both on and off the dance floor.
As Hambüchen continues to waltz his way through "Let's Dance," viewers across Germany are eager to see if he can dance his way to the top of the competition. Each live performance promises to bring exhilaration, and with his history of high-caliber achievements, Hambüchen is certainly a favorite to win it all. The world may have seen him excel on the gymnastics mat, but now, a new chapter unfolds as he conquers the world of dance.
