Evan Lysacek just won an Olympic gold medal in Vancouver, but can this figure skater learn to dance with a partner and even lead? He certainly has the discipline and the athletic skills. The 2009 world champion should be able to follow in the footsteps of Kristi Yamaguchi who led throughout the competition to win with Mark Ballas during season 6. But remember, Yamaguchi started out competing both in pairs with Rudy Gallindo and as a solo figure skater.
Although he was born in Chicago, Lysaceck moved to Los Angeles in 2003 after he graduated from Neugua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois. Now he trains at the El Segundo Toyota Sports Center so perhaps besides having an Olympic following, he also has a local following. Together that might be a powerful fan base.
The 6-foot-2 skater is coached by Frank Carroll, who also coached Michelle Kwan and currently coaches the darling of the Vancouver Olympics, Mirai Nagasu.
Lysacek originally was to compete in the 2010 World Figure Skating Championships in Torino, Italy but withdrew from the team after the Olympics. Lysacek finished second at the U.S. Nationals behind Jeremy Abbott with the controversial Johnny Weir third. Will skipping the World competition hurt his popularity?
Lysacek is partnered with Anna Trebunskaya who is married to Jonathan Roberts. Trebunskaya finished second during season 2 when she teamed with former NFL player Jerry Rice. Last season, she performed a fierce tango with her partner Chuck Liddell, but they were eliminated during week 4