Laurie Hernandez Crowned Winner ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Season 23

We can place add Dancing with the Stars champion alongside gold and silver Olympic medalist on Laurie Hernandez’s list of achievements.

LAURIE HERNANDEZ WINS DANCING WITH THE STARS SEASON 23

Hernandez and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy scored a perfect score on one dance and a 38/40 on their giving them the highest scores of the night. They narrowly beat out competitor James Hinchcliffe and his partner Sharna Burgess, with Calvin Johnson, Jr. and Lindsay Arnold placing third.

“We could have given out three trophies tonight,” said co-host Erin Andrews. “Everyone was so deserving.” While this sounds like something a typical talent show host would say, many have argued that this year’s DWTS contestants have been the most talented pool yet.

“The Olympics, as a little kid, it was such a big goal that I created for myself and I was able to push through and make that happen,” said the 16-year-old Olympian and now dance champ. “I’ve always loved to dance and my passion was dancing as well as gymnastics, so winning the Mirrorball [Trophy] today was insane and amazing.”

Chmerkovskiy spoke up as well, thanking the fans, and mostly his partner. “I wanted to set an example through her… for her generation that anything is possible. To stay hungry, to stay humble, she’s a testament to that.”

His words touched Hernandez, and she said, “I do want to inspire others. When I was a little kid, I looked up to other people, so I hope I can inspire little kids.”

Watch the couple’s dances from last night below.