Max Aaron retires from figure skating

I admire his dedication and the very hard work he put in to address the criticisms of his skating. He showed some real improvements over the last couple of seasons, which I really enjoyed watching. (I think he could have gone further with a different coach, but that's water under the bridge now.)

Also, he did a workshop at my club, and I heard nothing but praise for how generous and helpful he was - he gave a lot of attention to the skaters who weren't the "stars" but were eager to learn nevertheless. That's not always what happens, so that says a lot about him.

Although he has a non-skating job, I hope he continues to be involved in the sport in some way.
 
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Awww, I always have liked Max, even though I generally prefer more "artistic" skaters. His great athleticism and kind spirit will be missed. And I'm glad he was lucky enough to get both 4CC and Worlds this year (helping the US men get 3 spots for next season at Worlds) since he didn't make the Olympic team.

Best of luck to him on his graduate studies and future endeavors!
 
watchthis!! said:
http://olympics.nbcsports.com/2018/04/20/max-aaron-retires-figure-skating/
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That second paragraph feels totally unnecessary. Just rubbing salt into the wound.

I already miss him so much, but watching him during that Q&A yesterday...he was practically glowing with happiness and contentment. He wasn't saying "no regrets" because it was a soundbite, he was saying it because it was genuine. He's clearly at peace with his decision. And that was all I wanted for him.
 
I wish all the best to Max on this next stage. I always admired how well he represented his sport. He worked hard to make the most of his talent and was always a classy teammate. Even when he was disappointed at not making an Olympic or World team he was supportive of the men who were selected and always gracious. I'm sure he'll do well with whatever his next goals are.
 
While not always being a fan of his skating, what an intelligent and kind young man. He always showed class and dignity, as well as decency in competition and to all the other skaters he was competing against and with. I am sure he will have great success in his life, as he already has shown himself to be a hard worker and a person of great character.
 
AngieNikodinovLove said:
Actually, will be a bit strange to not see him on rosters.
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*wry grin* He'd even guaranteed himself two GPs for next season, if he'd continued.

I think it is that that is probably causing most of my muddled up grief/happiness. Because unlike some, he didn't wait, clinging on season after season until he wasn't even remotely competitive anymore. Instead, he went out at SB13, with a GP medal, still scoring above 160 for his FS, with two GPs up his sleeve for the next season. I have no doubt that he could have continued another year and still been highly competitive. But he didn't want to, so he chose to leave. And I think it takes more strength to pick up and leave when you're still competitive than to hang on to the point where everyone is just sad that you continue.
 
I'm definitely going to miss Max. I loved his skating, and he had a style all his own. I have seen through the years so many skaters trying to find their own unique style as to what would truly define them, and by saying that, they found their own signature moves. That's what Max did, and I'll always be a little partial to his skating.

I wish Max much success with the career he has chosen. I wish him the best, and may God bless him.
 
Max has achieved a lot of success while being a successful college student. While he may not have earned all the medals he would have wanted, I think he will have a more successful and happier life than many Olympians or World medalists. He strikes me as very mature and adjusted and can do a variety of things at a high level.
 
He's a superlikeable, unpretentious skater with an exemplary work ethic and team spirit - I respect him a lot and am so impressed with the way he rose to the occasion at Worlds and exited on a high note. Thanks, Max, and have a great after-skating life! I expect you will succeed wherever you turn your talents.
 
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Here's Max's message (with smiling photo) that he just tweeted out: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh0JjIuHRnm/?taken-by=maxtaaron
It feels like yesterday I was just lacing up my first pair of figure skates, dreaming to be one of the best. I have certainly experienced so many amazing moments throughout my career that will last a lifetime. To end a career saying that I have lived it with no regrets is truly fulfilling. Thank you all for coming along for the ride. Couldn’t have done it without the support of my family, coaches, friends, and fans. You all made it that much more special!
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:encore:to Max!

A sampling of current skaters' comments on his IG post so far:
  • timkoleto So proud of you and happy to have shared a piece of your journey. All the best, buddy.
  • tarahkayne ❤️ we will all miss you and your skating, Max!!
  • kirsten_mt Wishing you the very best!!! Hope we cross paths again soon ?
  • adaripp I love you, Max! You’ve inspired me so many times and are such a role model. One of the hardest working people I’ve ever met! You’re a champ baby.
  • ashwagner2010 Really proud of you Max. It has been such an honor skating with you the last few years. You have accomplished so much and have definitely left your mark on skating. Congratulations and so excited to see what is next ❤️
  • natebartholomay Proud of you man! Congratulations on a brilliant career!
  • brookleeh95 Congratulations on a fantastic career! All the best in your future adventures!
  • brandon_f1992 Congrats on everything you have accomplished Max, you will forever be a role model. Best of luck for the future buddy!
  • andrew_dodds Going to miss seeing your beautiful face Max
  • douglasrazzano ❤️❤️
  • polinaedmunds Love you Max!!!?
 
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Best of luck to Max as he begins a new job at Merrill Lynch armed with his recently earned finance degree from the University of Colorado, CS. I really enjoyed his skating especially the earlier years when his power was his strength.
 
Max Aaron: Great eyebrows, a huge heart, a never-say-die work ethic, an indefatigable will, enormous generosity, a fun sense of humor, an irresistible smile, and one of the best sportsman among a slew of wonderful sportsmanlike U.S. men from the best ever generation of talented male figure skaters. :cheer2:

Thank you Max, for so many things, most of all for going out there and always leaving your heart on the field of battle. :encore: Godspeed young man. Your dedication to the sport and your fighting spirit will never be forgotten. I remember your 2013 U.S. Nationals win as well as if it just happened yesterday! :respec:

Take the world by storm! And please find time to impart some of your knowledge to upcoming skaters, and to youngsters in general, as I'm sure you've already been involved in doing. :)
 
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