Team USA Figure Skaters Celebrate Olympic & Paralympic Day
On June 23, 2025, Team USA athletes rejoiced as they shared personal memories to celebrate Olympic & Paralympic Day, emphasizing *athleticism, resilience,* and the *joy of sport*. Each year, this occasion allows athletes to reflect on memorable moments that left indelible impressions on their lives and careers.
During the day, prominent figure skaters opened up about the particular Olympic and Paralympic highlights that have inspired them. Singing praises for sport’s ability to create a remarkable connection between individuals and occasions, these athletes imparted their most cherished memories.
Evan Bates, an ice dancer, reminisced about the awe-inspiring performance of swimmer Michael Phelps during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Bates recalled, “I was silently cheering for him in the middle of the night. It motivated me prior to my own Olympic journey.”
Christina Carreira expressed a heartfelt memory of gymnast Suni Lee’s glorious win in Tokyo, “Seeing her joy was incredibly emotional.” Meanwhile, Madison Chock credited Simone Biles’ inspiring resilience at the 2024 Paris Games as a significant influence on her skating journey.
Among other powerful stories, Amber Glenn found inspiration in Sarah Hughes’ remarkable triumph at the 2002 Olympics. “Watching her squeal with excitement after her final jump inspired me so much,” Glenn stated.
Additionally, memorable moments unfolded around personal relationships within the sporting community. Ellie Kam recalled the touching scene of Paralympian Hunter Woodhall celebrating a joint victory with his wife, and Valentina Plazas highlighted the shared gold moment in high jump between Gianmarco Tamberi and Mutaz Barshim.
Fellow ice dancer Anthony Ponomarenko described watching Usain Bolt break the 100-meter record in 2008 as a pivotal moment that set the tone for his competitive spirit. Each athlete exuded inspiration, optimism, and love for their sports as they celebrated the shared triumphs, recalling how such moments unify and elevate the spirit of competitive athletics.
