Dancing's Evan Lysacek: We All Miss Kate Gosselin

Olympic gold medalist says reality-TV mom is a "great mother" and a "sweet person"

When Evan Lysacek says he likes Kate Gosselin and that they became fast friends on Dancing With the Stars, he's not just playing Mr. Nice Guy.

In fact, the original octomom surprised the Olympic gold medalist on Friday when she showed up for his ice-skating tour, which made a stop not far from her Pennsylvania home.

"We all miss her for sure," Lysacek told me earlier today. "All you have to do is spend five minutes with her to know what a sweet person she is and how nurturing she is."

That's not all Lysacek had to say about Gosselin and another DWTS leading lady...

People have such strong opinions about Kate. Do you find yourself defending her?
It's normal for people to make assumptions as much as one doesn't want to do it. But you have to get to know someone...She is such a great mother. And that doesn't stop when she isn't with her kids. She was always like, "Are you OK? Do you need anything? Do you need a back rub?"

Did your mom freak out when she saw you fall on your head?
Yeah. I've had really bad concussions on the ice. I've had internal bleeding, so I really do have to monitor it.

How are you feeling today?
It's a little sore. I think I was running on adrenaline for the few days after the accident, but I'm fine.

The judges said last night was your worst dance. That must have hurt, too.
I would expect them to be tough because we're halfway through the competition. I don't think any of us expect sugarcoating. Regardless of what they said and what the score was, Anna and I were still proud.

Yeah, but saying it was your worst performance must have stung somewhat.
It stings a little bit, but at the same time, I'm used criticism. And I don't think they meant it to be insulting.

What does it feel like to have Pamela Anderson twittering that you are her "athletic supporter?"
We were at dinner last night at Chateau, and she was introducing me to her friend. She goes, "Evan's my biggest supporter. I mean for athletic stuff. He's my biggest athletic supporter." She was just like, "That's amazing. I have to tweet it."