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Ryan Seacrest Makes Viral UCLA Gymnast Katelyn Ohashi’s “DWTS” Dreams Come

Dreams really can come true! Ryan Seacrest connected viral UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi with Dancing With the Stars producer and casting guru Deena Katz after Katelyn revealed on-air on Wednesday, January 16, that one of her dreams is to be on the hit dancing competition show. 

In case you somehow missed it, the 21-year-old senior took the internet by storm after helping the UCLA Bruins to victory at the Under Armour Collegiate Challenge with a perfect 10 score for her floor routine last Saturday. Her contagious energy and joy — complete with that jaw-dropping, seriously flawless performance — gained her millions of new fans. 

Katelyn revealed to Ryan on-air that while she doesn’t have plans to compete in the Olympics (she’s suffered too many injuries and already a lifetime on the floor), she’d loved to write a book and also land a spot on Dancing With the Stars. 

Seacrest being Seacrest immediately got DWTS producer Deena Katz on the phone, who was already well-aware of the superstar-in-the-making. 

“Of course I have [seen it]!” Deena told Ryan with Katelyn also on the line. “… Katelyn, you’re fantastic! I’ve seen your video and I think Ryan is absolutely right. I think you might be great on our show. You’re a senior now? We should have Ryan give each other our numbers … and by the way,” Deena added. “I’m a UCLA alumni … this is what Ryan does, Ryan puts people together!” 

Deena joked that when she first picked up the phone, she was nervous she was going to be on Ryan’s Roses. 

Katelyn added that she’s been manifesting DWTS, revealing there’s a poster of herself near the ABC studios. 

“Wow! That is so crazy,” she gushed to Ryan after Deena hung up. “There’s a big poster board of me right by ABC so we were like maybe they’ll see it!”

Ryan also got DWTS alum and six-time champ Derek Hough on the phone to find out how Katelyn can win Deena over.

“I think your story, your athleticism and your creativity is a huge asset to the show,” Derek told the star. “So that’s how I would pitch it.”

Watch back the video above for all the feels and click here to watch Katelyn’s original performance!