Adam Rippon (born November 11, 1989) is a retired American figure skater who specialized in men's singles and is recognized for his expressive artistry and competitive achievements in international events.[1] Rippon overcame early hearing impairment, corrected by surgery in infancy, to begin skating at age ten and rise through junior ranks, capturing consecutive World Junior titles in 2008 and 2009.[2] His senior career highlights include the 2016 U.S. national championship and multiple Grand Prix medals, culminating in a bronze medal contribution to the Americanteam at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, where he finished tenth individually.[3][2]Rippon publicly identified as gay in 2015, drawing attention for his advocacy on LGBTQ+ issues, particularly during the 2018 Olympics when he criticized Vice PresidentMike Pence's past support for conversion therapy and declined a proposed meeting, sparking a media dispute that overshadowed aspects of his athletic performance.[4] He retired from competitive skating later that year, transitioning to professional endeavors such as winning season 26 of Dancing with the Stars and providing commentary for NBC Olympics coverage.[5] Rippon's career exemplifies persistence amid physical challenges and public scrutiny, though his prominence partly stems from leveraging personal identity in cultural debates rather than solely skating dominance, as evidenced by inconsistent senior placements like sixth at the 2016 World Championships.[2]
Early life
Family background and childhood
Adam Rippon was born on November 11, 1989, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, as the eldest of six children to parents Kelly and Rick Rippon.[6][1] His siblings include brothers Tyler, Brady, and Sawyer, and sisters Dagny and Jordan.[7] The family resided in Clarks Summit, a suburb near Scranton, where Rippon grew up in a household without any prior involvement in figure skating.[8] His parents, both entrepreneurs, saw their marriage end in divorce when Rippon was 13 years old, after which his mother raised the six children as a single parent while working as a life coach and hypnotherapist.[9][10] Rippon has described limited closeness with his father, who operated a company providing online services.[6]Early childhood challenges included Rippon being diagnosed as nearly deaf shortly after birth, necessitating corrective ear surgery before his first birthday to address the condition.[6] The family's northeast Pennsylvania home life was characterized by financial and logistical strains typical of a large household managed by a single mother, though Rippon has credited his mother's support as foundational to his later pursuits.[11] No skating heritage existed in the family, with winter outings to local rinks serving as casual recreation rather than structured training.[12]
Introduction to skating and early training
Adam Rippon, born on November 11, 1989, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, was introduced to figure skating at age 10, shortly before his tenth birthday, when his mother, a recreational skater, brought him along to the local rink.[13][12] Initially uninterested and resistant to the activity, Rippon quickly grew to enjoy it after persistent encouragement from his mother, who annually fielded his requests to try skating as a birthday gift.[14][13]Lacking any family history in skating, Rippon's early involvement marked a departure from typical competitive pathways in the sport.[12] In the early 2000s, around age 10 or 11, he began formal weekend lessons in Philadelphia under coach Yelena Sergeeva, a renowned instructor who guided him for the next seven years, emphasizing foundational techniques such as jumps, spins, and edge work.[15][16] These sessions laid the groundwork for his technical proficiency, including early mastery of triple jumps like the Lutz, which he practiced rigorously despite initial challenges.[17] Rippon's training regimen at this stage was part-time and local, balancing school and family life in northeastern Pennsylvania before intensifying as his commitment deepened.[18]
Competitive career
Junior-level competitions
Rippon debuted internationally at the junior level during the 2007–08 ISU Junior Grand Prix (JGP) series, where he won gold medals at JGP Bulgaria in Sofia on October 4, 2007 (187.67 points) and JGP USA, securing qualification for the JGP Final in Gdańsk, Poland, on December 16, 2007, which he also won, becoming the first male skater to exceed 200 points in a junior competition.[19][15][20]At the 2008 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Paul, Minnesota, Rippon claimed the junior men's title on January 26, 2008, with a total score of 213.76 points, surpassing the previous junior record while landing a triple Axel-triple toe loop combination in the free skate.[21]Representing the United States at the 2008 World Junior Championships in Kawasaki, Japan, Rippon won gold, followed by successfully defending his title at the 2009 event in Sofia, Bulgaria (222.00 points), marking him as the first man to secure consecutive victories in the discipline.[18][22][2]
Transition to senior level and early seasons (2009–2013)
Following his victory at the 2009 World Junior Championships, where he became the first men's skater to win consecutive titles, Rippon transitioned to the senior ranks. On January 2, 2009, he announced a coaching change from Nikolai Morozov to Brian Orser in Toronto, Canada, aiming to refine his artistry and jumping technique.[15][23] In his senior debut at the 2009 U.S. Championships in Cleveland, Ohio, Rippon placed 12th in the short program with 62.22 points but recovered to sixth in the free skate with 131.54 points, finishing seventh overall with 193.76 points.[24][19]Rippon earned assignments to two ISU Grand Prix events for the 2009–10 season. He finished sixth at the 2009 NHK Trophy in Tokyo but secured his first senior international medal, bronze, at the 2009 Trophée Éric Bompard in Paris, placing third in both segments.[24] The following season, after additional coaching shifts—including a brief stint with Ghislain Briand in 2011 and later Jason Dungjen—he placed fifth at the 2010 U.S. Championships, qualifying for the Four Continents Championships where he won gold in Osaka, Japan, with a strong free skate performance.[24][25] At the 2010 World Championships in Turin, Italy, Rippon achieved a career-best sixth place in his senior Worlds debut.[24]Through 2011–13, Rippon maintained consistency in domestic and international competitions amid further coaching changes, including a move to Rafael Arutunyan in September 2012. He recorded top-four finishes at multiple Grand Prix events, such as fourth at 2010 Skate America and Skate Canada International, fourth at 2011 events, and second at 2013 Skate America.[24][26] At U.S. Championships, he placed fifth in 2011, second in 2012—his first nationals podium—and fifth in 2013.[24] Internationally, he earned fourth at the 2012 Four Continents and 13th at the 2012 World Championships, demonstrating improved technical elements like his signature triple Lutz with arms overhead but facing challenges with jump consistency under pressure.[24][18]
Breakthrough and mid-career challenges (2014–2016)
In the 2013–14 season, Rippon placed eighth at the 2014 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, finishing with a total score of 230.84 points, which prevented his selection for the U.S. team at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.[27] This result marked a significant setback amid ongoing efforts to refine his quadruple jump technique, as he had attempted but failed to land quads consistently in competition.[28]The 2014–15 season brought further difficulties due to persistent issues with his skating boots and blades, which disrupted training and led to suboptimal performances, including a seventh-place finish in the free skate and tenth overall at the 2014 Skate Canada International.[29] These equipment problems contributed to inconsistencies in his jumping and overall program execution, hindering progress toward senior-level dominance.[29]Rippon's breakthrough occurred in the 2015–16 season, where he secured bronze medals at both Grand Prix assignments: third at 2015 Skate America with 256.26 points and third at 2015 NHK Trophy.[24] Culminating in his first U.S. senior title at the 2016 U.S. Championships in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 24, 2016, Rippon won the free skate with 182.74 points, totaling 270.75 for gold ahead of Max Aaron and Nathan Chen.[30][31]At the 2016 World Championships in Boston, Rippon achieved his highest senior international placement to date, finishing sixth overall with a total of 260.02 points, demonstrating improved artistry and technical elements despite quad inconsistencies.[24] These accomplishments highlighted his resilience against mid-career hurdles, though challenges with jump reliability persisted, as evidenced by multiple unsuccessful quad attempts across programs.[28]
Final competitive seasons and Olympic qualification (2017–2018)
In the 2017–18 season, Rippon opened with a bronze medal at the ISU Challenger Series Finlandia Trophy on October 6–8 in Espoo, Finland, scoring 245.21 points behind Japan's Keiji Tanaka and Russia's Mikhail Kolyada.[24] Assigned to Skate America and the NHK Trophy for the Grand Prix series, he secured silver medals at both events, finishing second to Shoma Uno at Skate America (October 20–22 in Lake Placid, New York; 261.87 points) and to Nathan Chen at NHK Trophy (November 10–12 in Osaka, Japan; 261.99 points).[24] These placements qualified him for the Grand Prix Final.At the 2017–18 Grand Prix Final held December 7–10 in Nagoya, Japan, Rippon placed fifth overall with 254.33 points, ranking sixth in the short program (86.19) and fifth in the free skate despite falls on two quadruple attempts.[24] His consistent Grand Prix performances positioned him among the top American men entering the national championships.Rippon competed at the 2018 U.S. Figure Skating Championships January 3–6 in San Jose, California, where he won the short program with 97.83 points but dropped to fourth in the free skate (171.82), finishing overall fourth at 268.34 behind Nathan Chen, Ross Miner, and Vincent Zhou.[24][32] U.S. Figure Skating named him to the Olympic team on January 7 as one of three men's entrants alongside Chen and Zhou, prioritizing his season-leading international scores over domestic placement to maximize team event potential.[33] This marked the conclusion of his competitive eligibility, as he retired following the Olympics.[33]
2018 Winter Olympics
Team event participation and medal
Adam Rippon competed for the United States in the men's short program segment of the figure skating team event at the 2018 Winter Olympics, held from February 9 to 12 at Gangneung Ice Arena in Pyeongchang, South Korea.[34] On February 9, during the short program qualification round, Rippon delivered a clean performance featuring a triple lutz-triple toe loop combination, triple axel, and triple flip, earning a total score of 97.58 points and placing fourth among the ten competitors in that segment, which awarded the U.S. team 7 points. His score contributed to the U.S. qualification total of 32 points from the short programs across disciplines.[35]The U.S. team did not select Rippon for the men's free skate segment on February 12, instead assigning it to Nathan Chen, who earned 10 points for first place.[36] Overall, the United States accumulated 62 points, securing the bronze medal behind Canada's gold with 73 points and the Olympic Athletes from Russia's silver with 66 points.[35][36] This result marked the first Olympic medal for the U.S. in the team event, introduced at the 2014 Sochi Games.[34] Rippon's participation fulfilled his Olympic qualification, earned through his results at the 2018 U.S. Championships, where he placed third overall but was named to the team for his artistic strengths in the short program format.[37]
Individual competitions
In the men's singles short program on February 16, 2018, Rippon performed to "Beautiful Piano" by Max Richter, executing a clean program that included a triple axel-triple toeloop combination, two additional triple jumps, and strong spins and footwork sequences.[38][39] He earned a total score of 87.95 points, comprising 44.48 in technical elements and 43.47 in program components, placing seventh overall and qualifying for the free skate as the top American performer in the segment.[38][40]Rippon's free skate on February 17, 2018, set to a medley from "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story," featured a triple lutz-triple toe loop combination and four other triple jumps, though he under-rotated some elements and received lower technical marks than in prior competitions.[38][41] Scoring 171.41 points (84.47 technical, 86.94 components), he placed 11th in that segment, resulting in a combined total of 259.36 for 10th place overall.[38][41]
Public statements and media attention
Rippon garnered significant media attention during the 2018 Winter Olympics for his charismatic personality, expressive skating style, and advocacy on LGBTQ issues, becoming a breakout star in coverage across outlets like NBC and social media platforms. Following his bronze medal win in the team figure skating event on February 12, 2018, he was celebrated as the first openly gay U.S. athlete to medal at the Winter Games, with his free skate performance on February 11 trending nationally on Twitter for its artistry and flair.[42][43]In pre-Olympic statements, Rippon voiced criticism of Vice President Mike Pence's role as head of the U.S. delegation, pointing to Pence's prior support for conversion therapy programs in Indiana and opposition to same-sex marriage as reasons he would not meet with him. On January 8, 2018, responding to USA Today about Pence's history, Rippon stated, "An opportunity to meet with Pence was something that was graciously extended to me, but due to my strong disagreement with his policies, I declined."[44] This led to widespread reporting on the dispute, with Rippon's refusal amplifying his profile as an advocate, though he later clarified in a February 13, 2018, CNN interview that he sought to avoid overshadowing his competition: "I don’t want my Olympics to be about Mike Pence. I want it to be about my performance."[45]His post-competition remarks further fueled media interest, blending humor with reflection; after the team event, Rippon quipped in a February 16, 2018, Vice interview about his success, "I can’t explain it. Witchcraft?" Such candid, engaging responses, alongside endorsements from figures like Cher and Britney Spears on social media, positioned him as a cultural phenomenon, with outlets praising his wit and resilience amid the Pence fallout.[46][47] Rippon's visibility extended to interviews emphasizing personal authenticity, as in a June 11, 2018, Guardian profile where he described his Pence comments as "I spoke from the heart."[48]
Controversies
Dispute with Mike Pence
In January 2018, shortly after securing a spot on the United States Olympic figure skating team for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Adam Rippon publicly criticized Vice PresidentMike Pence's selection as head of the U.S. delegation.[4] Rippon, the first openly gay male athlete to represent the U.S. at the Winter Olympics, expressed reluctance to meet with Pence, citing the vice president's record on LGBTQ rights during his governorship of Indiana, including support for legislation that permitted state-funded counseling aimed at changing sexual orientation—a practice often described as conversion therapy.[4][49] On January 17, 2018, Rippon told USA Today, "I’m never going to be President, and I don’t think he has a real concept of reality," adding that Pence needed to "walk the walk" on issues affecting LGBTQ individuals rather than merely offering ceremonial support for athletes.[4]Pence's office responded promptly, with spokesperson Alyssa Farah stating on January 18, 2018, that Rippon's characterizations of Pence's record had "no basis in fact" and emphasizing the vice president's pride in supporting all American Olympians, including those on Team USA's LGBTQ contingent.[50] Pence himself echoed this in subsequent comments, affirming his commitment to the athletes' success irrespective of personal disagreements.[51] The exchange escalated in early February 2018 when reports surfaced that Pence's staff had requested a one-on-one meeting with Rippon, which the skater declined; Pence denied initiating any such request, labeling the USA Today account "#FAKENEWS" in a February 8 tweet and publicly wishing Rippon well in Pyeongchang.[52][53] Rippon maintained his position, stating on social media that he had "nothing to say" to Pence personally but would advocate for those harmed by related policies if given the opportunity.[54]During the Olympics, which ran from February 9 to 25, 2018, the dispute drew media attention but did not directly impact Rippon's participation; he competed in the team event, contributing to the U.S.'s bronze medal on February 12, while Pence attended the event but had no reported interaction with Rippon.[55] Rippon later affirmed he stood by his initial remarks, describing them as heartfelt use of his platform, though he expressed openness post-Games to dialogue with Pence on LGBTQ issues, a meeting that did not materialize.[56][48] The episode highlighted tensions over Pence's past policies, such as a 2014 Indiana welfare bill provision allowing funds for "sexual orientation change efforts," which critics linked to conversion therapy, though Pence framed his positions as protecting parental rights and religious freedom.[49]
Comments on doping scandals and figure skating governance
In February 2022, during the Beijing Winter Olympics, Adam Rippon publicly criticized the handling of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva's positive doping test for trimetazidine, a banned substance detected in a sample from December 2021. Rippon argued that the test result warranted barring Valieva from competition, stating that allowing her to skate despite the violation undermined the integrity of clean athletes who adhere to strict anti-doping protocols.[57] He emphasized personal experience with rigorous drug testing, noting that athletes must notify anti-doping agencies of their locations and medications, and described the decision to provisionally suspend Valieva only after her team event performance as a failure of enforcement.[58]Rippon attributed primary responsibility to adult figures surrounding Valieva, including coaches and the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), rather than the 15-year-old skater herself, asserting that systemic pressures and oversight lapses enabled the doping. He labeled the ROC "dirty f–king cheaters" for their repeated violations, which he said had "ruined it for all of us" in figure skating by eroding trust in fair competition.[59] In response to the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling on February 14, 2022, permitting Valieva to continue, Rippon called it a "slap in the face" to athletes who train without enhancements, highlighting how delayed hearings—postponed until after the Games—prioritized spectacle over accountability.[60]Rippon's remarks extended to broader governance issues in international figure skating, critiquing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Skating Union (ISU) for inconsistent application of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules amid Russia's history of state-sponsored doping, as documented in prior investigations like the 2016 McLaren Report. He contended that provisional suspensions should occur pre-competition upon positive tests, regardless of appeals, to prevent tainted performances from influencing outcomes, such as the ROC team's gold in the team event.[61] Rippon advocated for stricter penalties on national federations, arguing that individual athlete protections, while important for minors, should not override collective fairness when evidence of prohibited substances exists.[62] These views aligned with his post-retirement role as a coach, where he stressed educating skaters on ethical boundaries to avoid governance loopholes exploited by high-profile programs.
Body image and dieting practices
In a 2018 New York Times interview, Rippon described longstanding pressures to maintain a lean physique for competitive advantage in men's figure skating, beginning in his youth when a coach at age 10 informed his mother that his muscular lower body disqualified him from elite success.[63] These demands intensified under later coaches, including Rafael Arutyunyan, who upon taking Rippon as a student in 2013 reportedly instructed him to use an elliptical machine to reduce leg muscle mass immediately.[63]Prior to the 2016 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, which Rippon won, his daily intake reportedly consisted of three slices of whole-grain bread with peanut butter and a protein shake for breakfast, a protein bar for lunch, and chicken breast with rice for dinner, totaling severe caloric restriction that led to a 30-pound weight loss but left him physically depleted and prone to injury.[64][65] He acknowledged awareness of the harm, stating, "I knew what I was doing was wrong, but at the same time I was thinking... I've got to do what it takes," reflecting a culture of "quiet starvation" where skaters prioritize aesthetics and jumps over health.[66] This approach contributed to a back injury requiring months of recovery, during which Rippon reevaluated his habits and adopted a more balanced nutrition plan emphasizing whole foods and adequate fueling for training.[63]Rippon's disclosures, made publicly during the 2018 Winter Olympics cycle, highlighted systemic body image issues in the sport, including among male athletes who face less scrutiny than women but still endure expectations of wiry builds to optimize performance and appearance.[67] He framed his candor as an extension of his 2015 decision to come out as gay, aimed at destigmatizing such struggles and encouraging others to seek healthier practices rather than emulating extremes.[65] Post-recovery, his diet shifted to include nutrient-dense meals like oatmeal with fruit, lean proteins, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates, supporting sustained energy without the prior deprivations.[68]
Post-competitive career
Professional skating tours and shows
Following the 2018 Winter Olympics, Rippon participated in the Stars on Ice tour, a professional ice show featuring Olympic medalists and champions. The 2018 U.S. tour highlighted the bronze medal-winning U.S. Olympic team, with Rippon co-headlining alongside world champion Nathan Chen.[69] Performances included dates such as April 6 at Germain Arena in Estero, Florida, and May 11 at Gila River Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.[70][71]Rippon balanced the tour schedule with his commitments on season 26 of Dancing with the Stars: Athletes, which ran concurrently from April to May 2018, requiring weekly travel between ice shows and dance rehearsals.[72] He became the first male figure skater to win the competition, securing the Mirrorball Trophy on May 22, 2018, while continuing tour performances.[73]After officially retiring from competitive skating in November 2018, Rippon's involvement in professional ice shows diminished, with fewer documented tour appearances as he transitioned to other roles in the sport and entertainment. He occasionally contributed as an ice artist to productions, such as Ice Theatre of New York's 2020–2021 season, which included ensemble works amid pandemic restrictions.[74]
Transition to media and commentary
Following his retirement from competitive figure skating in November 2018, Adam Rippon shifted focus to broadcasting, leveraging his Olympic experience and articulate style for media analysis.[75] Initially, during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, NBC offered him a correspondent role for the event's remainder, which would have required relinquishing his athlete credential and village access; Rippon declined to prioritize his team obligations and personal Olympic immersion.[76][77]Post-retirement, Rippon established himself as a figure skating commentator for NBC Sports, providing expert insights on technique, competition dynamics, and athlete perspectives. His debut in this capacity included coverage of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, where he partnered with comedian Leslie Jones for live figure skating broadcasts; their sessions combined technical breakdowns with engaging, accessible humor, drawing praise for making the sport approachable to broader audiences.[78] Rippon's contributions extended to previewing the Olympic season, analyzing skater preparations, and commenting on controversies like doping cases, emphasizing fairness in eligibility rulings based on his firsthand competitive knowledge.[79]By 2024, Rippon had expanded his NBCUniversal role to Olympic-wide correspondence, including analysis for the Paris Summer Games, while maintaining focus on winter sports events through specialized skating commentary.[80] This evolution marked a deliberate pivot from on-ice performance to off-ice narration, where Rippon's reputation for candid, informed takes—rooted in his career highs like the 2018 team bronze and technical innovations—positioned him as a valued voice in skating media.[81]
Entertainment projects and endorsements
Rippon guest-starred on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace in the episode "The Paws That Refresh," which aired on December 6, 2018, portraying a sassy barista named Timothy who interacts with the main characters at a coffee shop.[82][83]In 2019, he made a cameo appearance as himself in Taylor Swift's music video for "You Need to Calm Down," which featured numerous celebrities advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and premiered on June 16.[84]Rippon launched his YouTube interview and variety series Break the Ice on May 1, 2019, hosting guests from entertainment, music, and sports in segments involving conversations, challenges, and performances; the first season concluded in June 2019 with episodes featuring figures like Todrick Hall and Gus Kenworthy.[85][86] The second season premiered in October 2019, sponsored by Ketel One vodka, which integrated themed content like martini pairings with skating elements.[87][88]In 2023, Rippon participated in and won the inaugural season of Fox's Stars on Mars, a reality competition series that aired from June to August, where 12 celebrities simulated astronaut challenges in a Mars habitat set, with Rippon outlasting competitors including singer Tinashe in the finale on August 29.[89][81]Rippon's endorsements have been limited, with the most notable being the Ketel One partnership for Break the Ice, reflecting his post-Olympic pivot toward media ventures rather than traditional athletic sponsorships.[87] Prior to and following the 2018 Olympics, he expressed interest in brand deals but secured few major ones, attributing this partly to the emphasis sponsors place on medal outcomes over personality-driven appeal.[90][91]
Dancing with the Stars participation
Season 25 performance and win
Adam Rippon competed in the all-athletes edition of Dancing with the Stars, designated as Season 26, which premiered on April 30, 2018, and featured a condensed four-week format with ten athletic celebrities paired with professional dancers.[92] He was partnered with Jenna Johnson, marking her professional debut on the show after joining as a troupe member in prior seasons.[93] The season emphasized rapid skill development among participants with athletic backgrounds but limited dance experience, with Rippon leveraging his figure skating agility to adapt quickly.[94]Rippon's performances progressed steadily, starting with a cha-cha-cha in Week 1 that earned judges' scores totaling 24 out of 30, his lowest of the season, but he rebounded in subsequent weeks with higher technical execution and charisma.[95] In Week 2, his quickstep received 33 out of 40, praised for precision and energy despite the challenges of the fast-paced format.[96] He maintained top leaderboard positions through team dances and individual routines, including jive and contemporary styles, where his skating-honed flexibility and performance flair were highlighted by judges for blending athleticism with ballroom elements.[94] No eliminations occurred until later weeks, allowing consistent high scores that positioned him as a frontrunner.[92]In the May 21, 2018, finale, Rippon and Johnson performed a jazz routine that secured a perfect score of 30 out of 30, along with a standing ovation, followed by a freestyle incorporating playful elements like a wig and upbeat choreography to "Scooby Doo Pa Pa."[95] These efforts, combined with a redemption dance scoring 28 out of 30, propelled them to victory over runners-up Josh Norman and Sharna Burgess, and third-place finishers Tonya Harding and Sasha Farber.[94] Rippon became the first openly gay male winner in the show's history, and the triumph represented Johnson's inaugural Mirrorball Trophy as a professional.[93]
Impact on career and public image
Rippon's win on Dancing with the Stars on May 21, 2018, alongside professional partner Jenna Johnson, significantly elevated his profile in mainstream entertainment, building on his post-PyeongChang Olympic momentum as an outspoken athlete.[73][81] The victory in the all-athletes edition positioned him as the first openly gay male champion of the program, enhancing his public persona as a trailblazing figure in sports and media while attracting broader audiences beyond figure skating enthusiasts.[93]Professionally, the exposure facilitated immediate opportunities, including a judging role on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors announced in July 2018, which extended his involvement with the franchise.[97] This momentum contributed to subsequent television ventures, such as competing on game shows like Pictionary and Name That Tune, and winning the reality competition Stars on Mars in 2023, solidifying his pivot toward entertainment hosting and production.[81] Rippon credited the experience with preparing him for the industry's demands, noting that skating's performance discipline translated effectively to on-camera roles.[81]In terms of public image, the win reinforced Rippon's reputation for authenticity and eccentricity, as he emphasized post-victory his comfort with being "not afraid to be different or a little weird," which resonated with fans and media portrayals of his unfiltered style.[98][99] While no direct surge in major endorsements was tied exclusively to the win in available records, it amplified his marketability, leading to increased commentary gigs, such as for the 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, and co-hosting the podcast The Runthrough with fellow skaters Ashley Wagner and Sarah Hughes starting around 2023.[81] Overall, the achievement marked a bridge from competitive athletics to sustained media presence without diminishing his skating legacy.[81]
Skating technique and programs
Technical strengths and signature moves
Rippon's technical strengths in men's figure skating centered on his spins, footwork sequences, and transitional elements, where he consistently earned high Grades of Execution (GOE) scores for precision and speed.[100] His layback spin stood out as one of the strongest in the discipline, characterized by exceptional extension, control, and rotational speed that minimized travel across the ice.[101] Footwork was another hallmark, featuring intricate patterns with clean edges and rhythmic flow that integrated seamlessly into programs, often receiving positive GOE for difficulty and execution without negative deductions.[100]In jumps, Rippon reliably landed triple jumps including the triple Lutz and triple Axel, though he did not prioritize quadruple jumps in competition, opting instead for safer combinations that emphasized quality over quantity to avoid falls.[102] He attempted quads such as the quad Salchow and quad toe in select free skates, landing them occasionally but not consistently enough to incorporate into high-stakes routines like Olympic shorts.[103] This approach allowed for fluid program flow, with no negative GOE on jumping passes in key events, but it limited base value compared to quad-heavy competitors.[100]Signature moves included the "Rippon Lutz," a triple Lutz variation where he raised both arms overhead during takeoff for added difficulty and visual flair, originating from his training emphasis on expressive entries.[104] He also popularized innovative double Tano entries into triples, enhancing rotational momentum while maintaining balance, as seen in his Lutz combinations.[105]
Evolution of programs and choreography
Rippon's early junior-level programs emphasized technical precision and classical music selections, aligning with the demands of competitions like the 2008 World Junior Championships, where he secured gold with routines featuring structured elements to highlight jumps and spins.[106] Transitioning to seniors in the 2008–2009 season, his programs retained a focus on athletic execution but began incorporating more varied musical themes, such as film scores, to build competitive consistency amid challenges with jump reliability.[1]A pivotal shift occurred following the International Skating Union's 2014–2015 rule change permitting lyrics in competitive programs, enabling Rippon to adopt edgier, contemporary music that amplified his expressive, dance-influenced style.[107] In the 2015–2016 season, he debuted a short program to Queen's "Who Wants to Live Forever," choreographed by Tom Dickson, marking a deliberate reinvention toward risk-taking and personal flair, as Rippon described aiming for "young, current, edgy" presentations in a 2015 interview.[108][109] His free skate that season, choreographed by Jeffrey Buttle, further evolved to prioritize fluid transitions and musical phrasing over isolated elements, reflecting collaborations with multiple choreographers to refine his balletic footwork and signature Biellmann positions.[110]By the 2016–2017 season, Rippon's choreography matured into layered narratives, with a short program to Coldplay's "O" (choreographed by Buttle) emphasizing emotional depth and ice coverage, contributing to his first senior U.S. national title. The free skate to soundtracks from Bugsy Malone and X-Men: The Last Stand, choreographed by Benji Schwimmer, showcased heightened theatricality and synchronization, drawing on Schwimmer's dance background to integrate popping and locking elements for dynamic storytelling.[110] This period highlighted Rippon's growing input as a co-choreographer, including self-designed exhibitions, which informed his competitive routines' evolution toward authenticity and audience engagement.[111]Culminating in the 2017–2018 Olympic season, Rippon's short program to Ida Corr's "Let Me Think About It" (Eddie Thoneick Remix), choreographed by Buttle, exemplified his matured approach with upbeat, vocal-driven energy to accentuate speed and charisma, earning high program component scores.[1][112] The free skate to selections from Carmen by Georges Bizet, choreographed by Schwimmer, returned to dramatic opera but infused with Rippon's personalized flair—combining precise jumps with interpretive gestures—solidifying his reputation for programs that balanced technical demands with artistic innovation.[1] Overall, this progression from junior technical foundations to senior interpretive boldness was supported by coach Jason Dungjen's emphasis on holistic development, allowing Rippon to leverage his strengths in spins and expression amid evolving ISU judging criteria.[18]
Personal life
Relationships and family
Adam Rippon married his longtime partner, Jussi-Pekka Kajaala, on December 31, 2021, in an impromptu elopement they described as a simple decision made spontaneously that day.[113] The couple had become engaged in December 2020 during a trip to Helsinki, Finland, after maintaining a long-distance relationship for several years prior.[114] Kajaala, a Finnish television personality, met Rippon through mutual connections in the entertainment industry.[115]Rippon was born on November 11, 1989, to parents Kelly and Rick Rippon in Scranton, Pennsylvania.[9] His parents separated when he was young, and Kelly raised Rippon as a single mother alongside his five younger siblings in a working-class household.[10] Kelly Rippon, an author and speaker, has publicly shared her support for her son's coming out as gay in high school and emphasized the family's emphasis on resilience and unconditional love.[116] Rippon maintains close ties with his siblings, who have expressed no jealousy over his fame but rather pride in his achievements, with some pursuing careers outside skating such as in education and business.[117]
Health, mental health, and body image struggles
Rippon has openly discussed experiencing disordered eating and body image pressures stemming from the demands of competitive figure skating. As early as age 10, his initial coach informed his mother that he would never reach elite levels without slimming down, initiating a pattern of caloric restriction and excessive exercise that persisted for years.[67] By his late teens and early twenties, these habits intensified; Rippon restricted intake to as few as 1,200 calories daily while training rigorously, leading to what he described as a form of "quiet starvation" common yet under-discussed among male skaters seeking a lean, aesthetic physique for jumps and spins.[63]These practices contributed to physical health setbacks, including a labral tear in his hip sustained in 2014, which required surgical intervention and months of recovery; Rippon later attributed the injury partly to nutritional deficiencies weakening his body under skating's high-impact demands.[63] During rehabilitation, he began addressing the root causes by consulting a nutritionist and gradually increasing caloric intake to support muscle repair and performance, marking a shift toward healthier fueling that coincided with improved competitive results leading into the 2018 Olympics.[63] Rippon emphasized that such body composition pressures in men's figure skating often manifest subtly, without the overt purging or bingeing stereotypically associated with eating disorders in women, yet yield similar risks of fatigue, injury, and metabolic disruption.[63][67]On the mental health front, Rippon has shared episodes of depression tied to perceived failures in skating, particularly during prolonged slumps where subpar performances eroded his self-worth and amplified feelings of inadequacy.[118] He described hitting "lowest of lows" post-competition disappointments, where the sport's outcome-dependency fostered a sense of personal failure, compounded by the isolation of elitetraining environments.[118] To cope with performance anxiety, Rippon reframed it as a motivational signal rather than a debilitator, employing strategies like visualization and selective focus on controllable elements during high-stakes events.[119] These experiences underscored for him the interplay between physical regimen, mental resilience, and long-term well-being, prompting post-retirement advocacy for athletes to prioritize balanced nutrition and psychological support over aesthetic ideals alone.[118]
Political views and activism
LGBTQ+ advocacy and public coming out
![Adam Rippon at the 2018 Human Rights Campaign National Dinner][float-right]Adam Rippon publicly came out as gay in October 2015 during an interview published in the official magazine of U.S. Figure Skating, where he stated that he had considered disclosing his sexual orientation prior to the 2014 Sochi Olympics but ultimately chose not to at that time.[120] Rippon described the decision as liberating, noting in subsequent reflections that owning his identity enhanced his personal authenticity.[121]At the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Rippon became the first openly gay man to represent the United States and the first to win an Olympic medal in men's figure skating, contributing to the American team's bronze in the team event on February 12, 2018.[16] His visibility during the Games amplified discussions on LGBTQ+ representation in elite sports, with Rippon emphasizing in interviews that his participation aimed to inspire youth facing similar challenges.[122]Following the Olympics, Rippon engaged in advocacy efforts, including receiving the Human Rights Campaign's Visibility Award in March 2018 for advancing LGBTQ+ acceptance.[123] He helped raise $40,000 for GLAAD's programs supporting LGBTQ+ youth and publicly advocated for the passage of the Equality Act to extend federal non-discrimination protections in April 2019.[124][125] In June 2018, the New York City Council honored him with a proclamation recognizing his contributions to LGBTQ+ advocacy during Pride Month. Rippon has spoken at university events and participated in campaigns promoting equality, using his platform to address discrimination while maintaining focus on personal empowerment over victimhood narratives.[126]
Criticisms of political stances and selective engagements
Rippon's outspoken criticism of Vice PresidentMike Pence in January 2018, including accusations that Pence funded gay conversion therapy and represented policies contradictory to Christian values, prompted rebuttals from Pence's office. A spokesperson clarified that Pence supported faith-based groups offering voluntary counseling to individuals with unwanted same-sex attractions but opposed any coercive or abusive practices, disputing Rippon's characterization as direct endorsement of conversion therapy.[4]Conservative outlets and commentators faulted Rippon for politicizing the Olympics by refusing an invitation to meet Pence, the head of the U.S. delegation, viewing it as disrespectful to the vice presidency and an act of ingratitude toward the government subsidizing Olympic training and travel.[127][128] Such actions were portrayed as injecting partisan division into an apolitical event, with some arguing Rippon's stance exemplified selective outrage confined to American conservatives rather than broader global threats to LGBTQ rights.[129]Critics further highlighted perceived inconsistencies in Rippon's engagements, noting his willingness to participate in U.S.-funded competitions and accept Olympic opportunities under the Trump administration while publicly shunning its representatives, contrasted with limited visible activism against host nations like Russia during pre-2018 Grand Prix events amid that country's 2013 anti-LGBTQ propaganda law.[44] Rippon later voiced strong opposition to Russian state-sponsored doping in the 2022 Beijing Games, calling competitors "dirty cheaters," but earlier participation in international circuits drew no public boycott from him despite ongoing concerns over Russia's LGBTQ persecution.[130][131]
Broader commentary on sports and society
Rippon's prominence as the first openly gay American male winter Olympian to win a medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Games amplified discussions on LGBTQ+ visibility in elite sports, where out athletes remain a minority despite growing numbers; for instance, his example coincided with reports of exponential increases in openly LGBTQ+ competitors across disciplines post-2018.[132][133]In figure skating, a discipline long associated with aesthetic demands and historical stigma against visible homosexuality—evident in past athletes like John Curry who faced career repercussions for their orientations—Rippon's unapologetic style contributed to a perceived cultural shift toward openness, with skaters noting drastic improvements in community acceptance during his era.[134][135] This evolution includes structural changes, such as the International Skating Union's 2022 decision to replace "ladies" with gender-neutral terms in competitions, reflecting broader pushes for inclusivity influenced by advocacy from figures like Rippon amid ongoing debates over whether such reforms prioritize identity over merit.[136]His activism, including refusals to engage with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence over the latter's prior support for conversion therapy programs, illustrated tensions between personal advocacy and sports' traditional ethos of national unity, prompting critiques that politicized stances by athletes can alienate audiences and complicate the apolitical framing of events like the Olympics.[137][138]Rippon also spotlighted systemic health issues in men's figure skating, such as widespread disordered eating driven by pressures for lean physiques to enhance jump execution and visual appeal, which he linked to a culture equating thinness with competitiveness—a pattern affecting athletes regardless of orientation but exacerbated by the sport's emphasis on artistry over athletic robustness.[63][139] These revelations underscore how sports' aesthetic imperatives mirror societal beauty standards, often at the cost of physical and mental well-being, with empirical links to higher eating disorder rates in judged disciplines compared to non-aesthetic ones.[63]
Competitive record
Key achievements and medals
Rippon's most prominent senior achievement was securing a bronze medal in the figure skating team event at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, representing the United States alongside teammates including Nathan Chen, Vincent Zhou, Bradie Tennell, Mirai Nagasu, and Alexa Scimeca Knierim.[140] In the men's singles competition at the same Games, he finished tenth overall with a total score of 238.08 points.[2]At the senior level, Rippon claimed the U.S. Figure Skating Championship title in 2016, earning 270.75 points in St. Paul, Minnesota, ahead of Jason Brown and Grant Hochstein.[3] He also won gold at the 2010 Four Continents Championships in Osaka, Japan.[18] On the ISU Grand Prix circuit, Rippon amassed seven medals, including silvers at the 2017 Skate America in Lake Placid, New York, and the 2017 NHK Trophy in Osaka, Japan, which qualified him for the Grand Prix Final.[18][1] Additional Grand Prix successes included a bronze at the 2016 Trophée de France in Paris, where he set a personal best free skate score of 182.28 points for a total of 267.53.[141]In junior competitions, Rippon dominated by winning consecutive World Junior Championships in 2008 in Sofia, Bulgaria, and 2009 in Sofia, Bulgaria.[18] He also captured gold at the 2007–08 ISU Junior Grand Prix Final.[16]
Rippon dominated the junior level, winning the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final in 2008 and securing consecutive World Junior Championships titles in 2008 in Sofia, Bulgaria, and 2009 in Sofia, Bulgaria.[142][18]In his senior international debut season of 2009–10, Rippon claimed gold at the Four Continents Championships in February 2010 in Cheongju, South Korea, with a short program score of 76.27 and free skate of 166.17 for a total of 242.44.[142] He placed sixth at the 2010 World Championships in Turin, Italy.[142] At the U.S. Championships, he earned bronze in 2010.[18]The 2011–12 season saw Rippon finish fifth at Four Continents and 13th at Worlds, while taking silver at the U.S. Nationals.[142] He collected his first senior Grand Prix medals, including bronze at 2010 Skate Canada International.[18]Rippon's breakthrough senior year came in 2015–16, culminating in his sole U.S. National title in January 2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota, with scores of 86.15 in the short program and 187.01 in the free skate for 273.16 total.[18] He placed sixth at the 2016 World Championships in Boston, Massachusetts, his career-best Worlds finish.[142] That season, he earned silver at 2015 Skate America and bronze at 2015 Trophée Éric Bompard before its cancellation due to attacks in Paris.[18]In 2016–17, Rippon won silver at both 2016 Skate America and 2016 NHK Trophy, qualifying for the Grand Prix Final where he finished sixth.[18] He took silver at the 2017 U.S. Championships but placed fourth overall after the short program.[18]The 2017–18 season marked Rippon's Olympic participation; he contributed to the U.S. team's bronze medal in the team event at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, with a short program score of 87.95, and finished 10th in the individual men's event with 256.69 total.[18][142] En route, he won silver at 2017 Skate America and 2017 Internationaux de France, and placed fifth at the Grand Prix Final. At the 2018 U.S. Championships, he earned pewter (fourth place).[18]Overall, Rippon amassed seven senior Grand Prix medals across multiple seasons, highlighting his consistency in the circuit despite not medaling at senior Worlds.[18]