This weekend, the world of figure skating welcomes back a familiar and celebrated face as champion figure skater Jason Brown takes to the ice once more. Brown, renowned for his artistry and athleticism, reunites with his choreographer Rohene Ward, gearing up for a spirited competition at the Japan Open.
In an Instagram post that captured the excitement of this new season, Brown shared a montage of his breathtaking acrobatic moves and expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “New season, new programs, same @rohenew! Excited to kick it off in Japan this weekend!”
Over the summer, the 28-year-old figure skater delighted audiences across the globe with his performances, including appearances in “Stars on Ice” and the Japan-based “Friends on Ice,” where he left an indelible impression on local fans.
Brown’s Instagram account is a testament to his love for spending time across the Pacific, as it brims with photos celebrating his co-stars and the moments he cherishes.
His figure skating journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, including a bronze medal at the 2014 Sochi Games as part of Team USA. He continued to compete on the international stage, culminating in a sixth-place finish in the men’s event at the 2022 Winter Olympics, where he achieved a personal best score of 97.24.
With a total of 10 medals, including three golds, in his international career, Brown has consistently dazzled audiences worldwide. This year, he secured his second gold medal at a World Team event in Tokyo, showcasing his enduring excellence in the sport.
Brown’s dedication to his craft was evident during the four years leading up to the 2022 Beijing Games, during which he resided in a basement apartment in Toronto, honing his skills under the guidance of his coaches. Despite his impressive on-ice success, Brown harbored doubts about competing in another Olympics, particularly given the stringent COVID protocols that characterized the Beijing Games.
Recalling his experience in Beijing, Brown candidly shared, “I remember finishing and thinking, ‘Is it over? Is this how it ends?'”
However, those moments of uncertainty soon gave way to renewed determination. Invited to the Japan Open the following October, Brown unveiled a new program choreographed by Rohene Ward, reigniting his passion for competition.
After participating in an additional 50 shows during the offseason, Brown, originally from the Chicago area, made a commitment to compete at the 2023 Nationals. He remarked, “Coming back was not in my mind in the summer, but after finishing the shows I felt great. I have more energy than ever.”
Indeed, Brown maintains a rigorous schedule, gracing stages in the United States, Japan, and Canada, and sharing his boundless joy with fans.
Beyond his extraordinary talent on the ice, Jason Brown is known for sharing his authentic self with the world. Two years ago, he was among three Olympic figure skaters who publicly came out as gay during Pride Month. His heartfelt message on social media conveyed his gratitude for the LGBTQ+ role models who shaped his understanding of identity and love.
Brown’s message of acceptance and celebration of individuality resonates deeply with those who follow his journey. As he returns to the ice with pride, he continues to inspire with both his remarkable performances and his unwavering commitment to being true to himself.
