Jason Brown sees the bright side after struggle at U.S. Championships: “I’m just so unbelievably proud of my career”
Saturday night marked a reflective moment for U.S. figure skater Jason Brown as his performance led to an unexpected result at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis. While the free skate was filled with challenges, audiences were reminded of Brown’s enduring spirit and exceptional career that shaped him into a defining figure for American figure skating.
At the age of 31, and as a two-time Olympian, Brown dove into senior competition back in 2013. His journey has not only showcased his athletic skills but also demonstrated immense resilience. Over the years, he played a crucial role in solidifying Olympic positions for Team USA, including the coveted slots available for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. His contributions to the sport culminated in a team bronze at the Sochi 2014 Olympics and numerous prestigious finishes since then.
After his less-than-ideal free skate, where he crafted only one clean jumping pass, he candidly expressed, “I’m just so unbelievably proud of my career.” Brown finished in eighth place, while fellow athlete Ilia Malinin claimed his fourth consecutive U.S. Championships title.
Barely able to mask his disappointment, Brown noted, “That’s a brutal one,” referring to his early fall on the triple Axel that marked the start of his routine. However, his indomitable spirit shone through. “It became about the fight,” he revealed, sharing how every performance teaches him something vital about perseverance and finding inner strength.
Despite the setback, Brown remains hopeful as the National Olympic Committees prioritize overall performance rather than one single event in selecting athletes for the Olympic roster. His eighth-place finish at the previous year’s Boston World Championships solidified the U.S.’s three Olympic spots, which might bode well for his Olympic dream.
Regardless of what the future holds, Jason Brown’s legacy continues, capturing the essence of fighting spirit, grace, and passion for the sport, embodied not simply in triumphant moments but also in resilience amid adversity.
