Yamaguchi Skates To "Dancing" Win

Olympian Is First Woman To Win The Competition Since Season One





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Kristi Yamaguchi, left, and Mark Ballas hold their mirror ball trophy backstage after the "Dancing With The Stars" finale on May 20, 2008. (ABC/Michael Desmond)



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(CBS) Kristi Yamaguchi has a shiny new disco ball trophy to display next to her Olympic gold medal.

The 36-year-old figure skater edged NFL pro Jason Taylor, 33, to win ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" Tuesday night.

"I guess K is a good initial to have," she said, referring to Kelly Monaco, the only other woman to win the contest in the show's six seasons.

Photos: Last Waltz On "Dancing"
Yamaguchi had a perfect 90 points from the judges for her three performances in the two-part finale. Taylor earned his first perfect 30 for his elegant fox trot Tuesday night. That gave him a total of 81 points, but he didn't get enough viewer votes to beat his heavily-favored opponent.

Photos: "Dancing With The Stars" Finale
Cristian de la Fuente, who competed in the first part of the finale, was eliminated fifteen minutes into Tuesday's night's show. The 34-year-old actor was at a disadvantage during Monday's freestyle round, because his injured left arm prevented him from doing the athletic lifts executed by the other couples.

Tuesday's two-hour finale featured two performances by singer-dancer Usher. He sang and danced to his new hit "Love In The Club" and performed a jazzy version of his 2004 smash "Yeah."

All the season's contestants were on hand to reprise their favorite dances, and stars from seasons past were in the audience.





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