Among the most hyped participants for Dancing with the Stars season 15 were Olympic medalists Stephen Nedoroscik and Ilona Maher. While many thought the hype wouldn’t translate to the dance floor, especially for Maher, the athletes silenced the doubters. With their exceptional performance week, the duo and their respective partners made it to the finals.

Going into the finale episode, all eyes were on the five finalists, each with their own fan base. However, Team USA’s Olympic stars fell shy of getting their hands on the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The 25-year-old pommel horse specialist was first to drop out, with the rugby sensation coming excruciatingly close before finishing as the runner-up. However, it’s not all heartbreak for the Olympians.

While DWTS has never disclosed details on their prize money, we can make an educated guess that Ilona Maher and Stephen Nedoroscik made at least close to half a million dollars. Reports from several sources, including Variety, US Weekly, Parade, and others. DWTS rules dictate the contestant earns a signing bonus of $125,000, which also covers the training.

This figure was established after a reported pay cut that happened in season 28. However, after the initial monetary incentive, participants earn incremental bonuses as they progress through the weeks. Participants earn $10,000 if they make it through weeks three and four and $20,000 for making it through five and six. Those who go even further earn $30,000, and finalists earn $50,000.

Since Ilona Maher and Stephen Nedoroscik made it to the finals, they at least earned $235,000 each. However, Stephen Nedoroscik and his fellow Olympic bronze medalist weren’t the only sports personalities whose dreams of earning a mirror ball got snubbed. In fact, the judges nearly had everyone fooled.

A disappointing night for Ilona Maher and her fellow sports personalities

Besides Maher and Nedoroscik, former two-time Super Bowl winner Danny Amendola also earned his spot in the finals. The one thing all the sports stars had in common was the fact they got no shortage of praise from the judges. Judge Hough dubbed Amendola’s I’m Just Ken from Barbie as “one of the most entertaining things I’ve ever seen on this show.”

Meanwhile, Judge Bruno Tonioli said Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold were “running in top gear” after watching them perform the Quick Step for The Rembrandts’ I’ll Be There For You. Finally, the judges once again recognized Ilona Maher’s growth as a dancer. “Look at me, Ilona, you have become a true leading lady!” said Bruno Tonioli.

Tonioli echoed judge Carrie Ann Ibana’s compliment from the semifinals. “You are the one who has come the furthest in this competition,” said Carrie Ann Inaba. “Proud, in control, holding the center of attention between these amazing dancers. You were always the girl on top,” Tonioli added in the finale, after Maher performed Chappell Roan’s Feminomenon.

And yet, it was Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson who won the night and the season 33 mirrorball. Although the duo scored the first perfect 30 of the night, the others followed. However, what left many concerned was when Ibana called freestyle “underwhelming.” It seems Graziadei and Johnson’s first performance was enough for the judges to crown their season 33 champions. Yet, earning over $200,000 just for reaching the finals has to be a might impressive consolation prize.