Danielle Fishel, beloved for her role as Topanga on Boy Meets World, is proving to be one of the most resilient contestants on Dancing With the Stars Season 34. As the competition heads into October, the actress is continuing to perform despite suffering a painful hamstring injury that left her leg badly bruised.
The Injury Revealed
Ahead of Week 3’s TikTok Night, Fishel shocked fans by sharing photos of her leg covered in deep bruises. On Instagram, she wrote: “I promise my leg feels better than it looks.”
She later explained that the bruising came from a hamstring tear, made worse after a deep tissue massage broke blood vessels along the back of her leg. According to People, Fishel even consulted a surgeon to see if surgery was necessary but decided against it, opting instead for careful management.
Her pro partner, Pasha Pashkov, confirmed they’ve been adjusting routines slightly to keep choreography challenging yet safe enough for her to continue.
Week 3 Performance
Despite her injury, Fishel and Pashkov took the stage during TikTok Night with a Foxtrot to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild.” Judges praised her determination and composure, awarding the pair a score in the low 20s (around 21–23/30).
Although the bruises were still visible, Fishel smiled through the pain and completed the routine without major mistakes. For viewers, it was a moment that highlighted both her skill and her grit.
What She Says About It
Fishel has made it clear she won’t quit unless she physically can’t go on. In her own words: “I will only leave DWTS if they carry me out on a stretcher.”
Her perseverance comes just months after completing treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a form of breast cancer she was diagnosed with in 2024. She finished treatment in early 2025 and has described her DWTS journey as a celebration of survival and resilience.
Speaking to People, she reflected that returning to a live audience setting brought back memories of her acting career, and that the crowd’s energy helps carry her through the tougher moments on the dance floor.
Fans and Media Reactions
When Fishel’s injury photos circulated, fans quickly voiced concern — but also admiration. Many praised her openness in showing the physical toll of rehearsals, while others called her one of the bravest contestants of the season. Entertainment outlets echoed those sentiments, describing her as a competitor whose “grit and determination” have become central to Season 34’s narrative.
What’s Next
Fishel remains in the competition as the show moves toward Disney Night on Oct. 7. While her routines may continue to be modified to protect her leg, her determination to compete is winning her new fans every week.
With the finale expected on Nov. 25, 2025, the big question is not only how far Danielle Fishel can go, but how long her body can hold up under the pressures of the ballroom.
