No Gold for Natalie Coughlin on 'Dancing'

Oct. 21, 2009— -- She may be the owner of nearly a dozen Olympic medals, but swimmer Natalie Coughlin will not be taking home the "Dancing With the Stars" trophy disco ball this year.

Coughlin and professional dance partner Alec Mazo were eliminated Tuesday after judges and viewers gave them a mediocre grade for their Paso Doble.

"I'm sad it's over," Coughlin told "Good Morning America" this morning. "I definitely wasn't a dancer coming into this. I enjoyed it so much. It's been a wonderful experience."

Coughlin's loss came during in an emotional episode of "DWTS," as the show's 16 professional dancers gathered for a group dance as a tribute to the late Michael Jackson, several of whom's family members were in attendance.

"We're all very proud of it," Mazo said today. "We were really excited to see the family there. We just wanted to make sure we didn't disappoint them."

Week Five of "Dancing with the Stars" was filled with high scores, comebacks, and the flu, as the contestants competed with Argentine tangos and Paso Dobles, and ended the night with a group dance, the Hustle.

This week's scores were the highest yet. No couple scored fewer than 20 points, and even the lowest scorers still earned the judges' respect and praise.

In the lead with 29 points, including two 10s, was Donny Osmond and partner Kym Johnson's stunning Argentine Tango.

Judge Bruno Tonioli dubbed Osmond "Donny Darko," and Len Goodman told the couple "it was truly your best dance."

Carrie Anne Inaba told Osmond "the Argentine tango loves Donny Osmond ... I know I just fell in love with you...it was so darn sexy."

Mya and Dmitri Chaplin came in second place with an impressive 27 points and their Argentine Tango to "I'm Sorry, So Sorry" did not disappoint.

"I never really know what I like until I see it, and I've got to say, I liked that," Goodman said.

"You're a great technician," Tonioli said. "You always have to keep the emotional connection."

Inaba said the dance was distant and lacked "inner dialogue," but still felt the couple "move so well."