ABC
The second couple to go home as part of week three’s triple elimination during “Dancing with the Stars: Athletes” is Jennie Finch and partner Keo Motsepe. Mirai Nagasu and Alan Bersten and Chris Mazdzer and Witney Carson were also eliminated.
Tonight, the couple danced a romantic Viennese waltz to “The Rest of Our Life” and scored a 29 out of 40. She also went head to head with Tonya Harding in the dance-off round, but fell to the former Olympic figure skater. Last week, the couple danced a vibrant cha cha to “Do It Like This” and earned 26 points. During the premiere, Finch received 21 out of 30 points for her graceful foxtrot to “All-American Girl” by Carrie Underwood. Ultimately, however, she fell just short of next week’s finale.
Jennie Finch and Partner Keo Motsepe Eliminated
Motsepe has been a “Dancing with the Stars” pro for seven seasons. His previous partners have included Olympic bobsledder Lolo Jones, “Full House” star Jodie Sweetin and “Shark Tank” investor Barbara Corcoran. He came in sixth place with Sweetin during season 22.
Social Media Reacts to Jennie Finch and Partner Keo Motsepe’s Elimination
I loved Jennie, Chris & Mirai! They all did amazing this week and this season! Wish we had longer with them. #DWTS
— charly (@charlyy_brownn) May 15, 2018
I feel like @JennieFinch really broke out of her shell with @keodancer on #DWTS. She felt confident, and I felt that. They seemed to have a good time together, and they were overall just a feel-good couple! #TeamPitchPerfect #DWTS26 #DWTSAthletes #TripleElimination
— DWTS Interact (@DWTSInteract) May 15, 2018
So proud of you @JennieFinch! Congrats on a wonderful season of #DWTS! You made the softball world proud!
— USA Softball (@USASoftball) May 15, 2018
So Tonya lost the dance battle by a lot to Jennie, but somehow magically ends up in the finale? Interesting. #DWTS #DWTSAthletes pic.twitter.com/PKUuhku1rs
— mawile (@mawile729) May 15, 2018
@DancingABC should be ashamed for voting Harding through instead of @JennieFinch, an honorable American athlete & positive role model for young girls⭐️ SMH….We won’t watch ever again
— danielle fleming (@vernyfoo516) May 15, 2018
but also kinda rigged Tonya to be in the finale like cmon I rather have Mirai, Chris or Jennie join Adam and Josh. #DWTS SUS
— jess♡ (@h0llaJess) May 15, 2018
@JennieFinch I loved watching you & Keo dance Each & Every Week, & I’m so sad you got Eliminated.
— Jodie (@Jodie757) May 15, 2018
so proud of @JennieFinch and @keodancer this season. always #TeamPitchPerfect
— Mallory Stokes (@malgal27) May 15, 2018
Finch is an Olympic softball pitcher. According to ABC, Finch “started pitching at age eight, with her father as her personal coach. In 2004 in Athens, her ASA team dominated their competitors and won the gold. Sports Illustrated hailed them as the greatest team of all time. Jennie created a signature line with Mizuno and pioneered the use of pink in women’s softball equipment. Pink and black became her signature.”
“Dancing with the Stars: Athletes” is hosted by Tom Bergeron and sports broadcaster Erin Andrews. The judging panel is composed of ballroom experts Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. Their scores, along with America’s votes, determine who gets to stay and who is sent home as couples vie for the coveted Mirrorball trophy during the special, four-week season.
The finalists are Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon, NFL star Josh Norman and former figure skater Tonya Harding. The finale of this season’s all-athlete edition of “Dancing with the Stars” airs next Monday at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Do you think the right couple was sent home on “Dancing with the Stars: Athletes”? Sound off in the comments section below!
Photo credit: ABC
