The other couple to go home as part of week two’s double elimination during “Dancing with the Stars: Athletes” is Arike Ogunbowale and partner Gleb Savchenko. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Lindsay Arnold were also eliminated. Chris Mazdzer and Witney Carson were in jeopardy.
Tonight, the couple danced a powerful foxtrot to P!nk’s “What About Us” and scored a 33 out of 40. The judges thanked her for giving the heels a try and Carrie Ann Inaba said the dance touched her. They also danced a freestyle for the Team Dance round, earning another 37 points as the winning team. During last week’s premiere, Ogunbowale and Savchenko danced a glittering salsa to “Them Girls” and scored a 20 out of 30. Ultimately, the college athlete’s hardworking attitude was not enough to save her from elimination.
Arike Ogunbowale and Partner Gleb Savchenko Eliminated
Savchenko has been a “Dancing with the Stars” pro for five seasons. His previous partners have included singer and actress Jana Kramer, reality television star Erika Jayne and “Pretty Little Liars” actress Sasha Pieterse. He came in fourth place with Kramer during season 23.
Social Media Reacts to Arike Ogunbowale and Partner Gleb Savchenko’s Elimination
IM SO SAD THAT ARIKE IS LEAVING NOOOO #dwts
— Ang (@swiftieANG) May 8, 2018
Yay, Adam is through, but I'm sad to see Arike go. 😢 At least she can fully focus on finals? #DWTS
— M (@elysiondream) May 8, 2018
i am really sad about arike though #dwts
— sandra☽ (@WitneyCarsonFan) May 8, 2018
I'm glad Chris is safe but there's no way he should've been in jeopardy, nor Arike. Jennie should've gone with Kareem. #DWTS
— Alfie (@AlfieS12) May 8, 2018
Arike deserves to stay. I’m bummed. She did such a good job. #DWTS
— Scott Bennett (@FilmScoreScott) May 8, 2018
I absolutely love @Arike_O’s interpretation of the dance! My nieces were so inspired by her & her team. They didn’t realize girls could play basketball. Thank you for inspiring little girls everywhere. #DWTS
— Jessica (@jmy143) May 8, 2018
You still a champ, @Arike_O! GO IRISH! #DWTS
— Kevin Kimberly (@ndirish11) May 8, 2018
.@Arike_O and @Gleb_Savchenko brought it all to the dance floor, From groove to grace, they made the most out of their short time on the show. They definitely made an impression! #TeamMirrorBallers #DWTS #DWTS26
— DWTS Interact (@DWTSInteract) May 8, 2018
Arike deserved better #DWTS
— Thomas Steven 🍉 (@Thomasstevens00) May 8, 2018
The right people left the show…well, maybe the softball player girl should've gone instead of Arike. #DWTS
— Cheese Commander (@theyoooooshow) May 8, 2018
Doesn’t surprise me … but I really liked Arike #DWTS
— Kaitlyn (@KLack33) May 8, 2018
Ah the irony… Arike Ogunbowale finally has time to do #DWTS after this finals week, and now she doesn't get to come back 😢
— Kelli Lawrence (@KLBSt8ofSk8) May 8, 2018
I loved Arike! She did so good all while balancing classes and finals week coming up. You go girl! 👏🏼 #DWTS
— charly 🌼 (@charlyy_brownn) May 8, 2018
It’s a bummer that @Arike_O is going home tonight, but for a “normal” college athlete to get asked on the show is huge! You rocked it! #DWTS
— MacKenzie 🐳 (@mackenziee2014) May 8, 2018
Ogunbowale is a Notre Dame women’s basketball player. According to ABC, “Ogunbowale is a junior at Notre Dame and member of the women’s basketball team, who recently won the 2018 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament. She was also named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player this year. During her college career, Ogunbowale has earned multiple honors, including: Naismith Trophy Top-30, NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Performer, NCAA All-Regional Team, WBCA All-Region Team, ACC All-Tournament First-Team, EspnW National Player of the Week (11/21/16), Preseason WNIT Tournament MVP and ACC Player of the Week.”
“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 remaining athletes include Olympic figure skaters Adam Rippon and Mirai Nagasu, luger Chris Mazdzer, softball pitcher Jennie Finch, NFL star Josh Norman and former figure skater Tonya Harding.
The all-athlete edition of “Dancing with the Stars” airs every Monday night 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