Iraq war veteran-turned-soap opera star J.R. Martinez was declared the winner of “Dancing With the Stars” on Tuesday’s finale. The 28-year-old winner began the competition as the least-known contestant, but over the weeks won over viewers with his positive attitude and inspiring story. Martinez was severely burned on more than 40 percent of his body when his Humvee struck a land mine. He underwent numerous surgeries and years of recovery to repair his body.
Judges and viewers fell in love with his optimism. “You’ve got such a sparkling personality, you just light up this room,” judge Len Goodman said. Martinez praised his professional dancing partner, Karina Smirnoff, attributing her to his success. “She’s an amazing dancer and she should be in that category with the elite when it comes to this show and hold her own trophy up. The fact that I was able to be part of that journey, I’m excited about that.”
