Jason Brown Arrives to Figure Skating Grand Prix Season with Ode to His Olympic Past in ‘Riverdance’
The excitement was palpable inside the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena on Thursday, November 13, as Jason Brown prepared to showcase his much-anticipated short program during a Skate America 2025 practice session. This two-time Olympic figure skating veteran is undertaking an ambitious project: re-creating a program from his own past. Brown has chosen to reinterpret his iconic ‘Riverdance’ free skate music from his Olympic debut at age 19 in 2014, reinventing it for his short in hopes of clinching another Olympic bid.
“It’s really my way of saying ‘thank you,'” Brown told reporters after practice in Lake Placid, New York. Skate America marks the 30-year-old’s first major event during what is his fourth Olympic season, and he’s ready to make a statement.
“People still come up to me to this day to talk to me about that program, or what it meant to them,” a nostalgic Brown reflected. “It’s motivating to return to something that really launched my career, while strengthening my relationship with the audience.”
His short, titled “Reel Around the Sun,” serves as a tribute to the free skate routine that unexpectedly secured him a spot on the U.S. Olympic team in 2014, where he ultimately placed ninth at Sochi.
After narrowly missing the Games in 2018, Brown moved to Toronto to train with coach Tracy Wilson and made a notable showing at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, finishing sixth. He also placed fifth at the World Championships in both 2023 and 2024.
What would a third Olympic appearance mean for Brown? “It would be so special,” he replied with a beaming smile. But he added, “I try so hard not to think about it. I need to stay focused.” While Brown isn’t guaranteed a spot on Team USA, he has put himself in a position to qualify for another Olympic showdown.
With U.S. Figure Skating using a body-of-work selection model since January 2025, Brown’s recent performances—including a silver medal at the U.S. Championships—have strengthened his case.
“I am determined to be there, learning as much as I can,” he said regarding his path to a potential third Olympics. His solid starts in lower-level international events hint at a promising season ahead.
The Chicago-area native also expressed gratitude towards his fanbase, announcing, “I’m just so proud of my longevity, and I am grateful for your support. I’m doing this for you!” Jason Brown is set to perform next at the Finlandia Trophy, showcasing the spirit and dynamism that make figure skating such a beloved sport.
