It was a shocking elimination on Monday night’s “Dancing with the Stars,” as Olympic gold medalist Charlie White and partner Sharna Burgess were sent home.
Access Hollywood caught up with the ice dancer just after he got the boot to find out how he was feeling after the emotional semifinal round.
“[I’m feeling] mixed emotions,” Charlie told Access’ Shaun Robinson after the two-hour show. “Obviously I’m disappointed.”
Despite his sadness over leaving the competition, the 26-year-old athlete is grateful for the experience and what he learned during his time on “DWTS.”
“We are disappointed but we’re also very grateful,” he said. “I think that in this moment you’re able to reflect a bit about the journey and where you’ve been, how you got to where you’re at. And I think that being able to look at each other and say that we were 100 percent truthful to ourselves and did everything the right way, as well as put our whole heart, soul, passion into the dancing which was really the most important thing.
“Being able to do that is what is gonna be the most rewarding thing,” he added.
Charlie’s on-ice partner, Meryl Davis, is still in the competition (with partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy), and Charlie shared her parting words to him.
“[She said] just that she loves me,” he said. “I mean, our support is one of those things where we don’t even have to really speak, but you know, we’re on a totally different level after 17 years and I’m her number one fan now.
“I’m sad that I’m not gonna be asked anymore about competing against her,” he added, laughing. “No, I’m joking. But it’s gonna be awesome to be able to cheer her on.”
Does he think Meryl and Maks will take home the mirrorball trophy?
“I certainly hope so. I know that she’s capable of it,” Charlie said.
— Erin O’Sullivan
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