HOLLYWOOD, California, August 17. SWIMMING has finally joined the Olympic love affair on ABC's Dancing With The Stars as Natalie Coughlin has been tabbed to compete in the 2009 edition of the popular television series.
After taking a break from swimming competition after the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Coughlin will be extending that break with some time logged on the dance floor this season.
Last year, Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson stole the show with a victorious run through the season. Other Olympians who have competed are Apolo Anton Ohno, Kristi Yamaguchi, Evander Holyfield, Clyde Drexler, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Monica Seles, Misty May-Treanor and Maurice Greene.
Other castmates include singer Macy Gray, actor Melissa Joan Hart, model Kathy Ireland, singer Mya, Iron Chef America host Mark Dacascos, songwriter Ashley Hamilton, former NFL football player and ESPN analyst Michael Irvin, legendary entertainer Donny Osmond, former Congressman Tom DeLay, model Joanna Krupa, actress Debi Mazar, media personality Kelly Osbourne, singer Aaron Carter, UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell and snowboarder Louie Vito.
The season returns for its ninth season on Monday, Sept. 21.