Gold-Medalist McKayla Maroney to Guest on 'Hart of Dixie'

There's gold to be found in 'Hart of Dixie.'

McKayla Maroney, member of the Fierce Five, the gold medal-winning USA gymnastics team at the London Olympic Games, has landed a guest starring role on CW Network's 'Hart of Dixie.' The sixteen-year-old athlete will appear alongside series star, thirty-one-year-old Rachel Bilson, who began acting during her teen years as well. Bilson will undoubtedly be an excellent resource for Maroney, who is just beginning to cross from gymnastics to acting by joining the small-town medical drama on CW.

Maroney joins 'Hart of Dixie' as Tonya, a friend who comes to the aid of recurring character Rose (played by McKaley Miller, pictured). Rose is a writer and a dreamer, constantly imagining escaping to New York City. No word yet on what Miller's character will need defending from, but regardless, the spunky and athletic Tonya shall come to the rescue!

The cliff-hanger finale of the first season of 'Hart of Dixie' included a doomed wedding, dangerous storms, adorable baby goats, sexy hook-ups, grooms with cold feet, and jilted brides; the CW knows their audience. Maroney isn't the only olympic star to be offered roles on series based at the green network: Ryan Lochte, as previously reported, will be appearing on '90210' and more recently, Maroney's teammate Gabby Douglas landed a spot on 'The Vampire Diaries.'

Is Maroney just taking advantage of a cash grab, or is she making an honest attempt at a career path? Even if the attempt is in earnest, will she embarrass herself like other athletes during the shift to scripted television? (Wayne Gretzky, I'm looking at you!) Find out in season two of 'Hart of Dixie,' premiering on October 2nd.