Adam Rippon, who will no longer skate competitively, reflects on "wild, emotional" journey

[Sylvia]

Starting this thread with these 2 posts in Adam's fan thread:

Not exactly breaking news, but... It's officially official now.

Adam Rippon, who will no longer skate competitively, reflects on "wild, emotional" journey

Thank you Adam for this and other beautiful performances over the years!

Indeed! Adam, you've been so wonderful on the ice!!!? And thanks especially for the birds. It's been a pleasure!

It really should have its own thread, as it's not exactly good news Though of course, not unexpected. Adam deserves a real farewell-thread. Should we start one?

Here you go, @SmallFairy. This piece aired on CBS This Morning today and Adam's "Note To Self" is transcribed in @nimi's link quoted above. Direct link to Adam's "Note To Self" video (5 mins.): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M29gJK5G7lk
In our series Note to Self, Rippon stepped onto the rink at Skylands Ice World in New Jersey to reflect on the path he carved in life, on and off the ice.

 

[SmallFairy]

Thank you so much @Sylvia !

 

[skatesindreams]

This piece aired on CBS This Morning today and Adam's "Note To Self" is transcribed in @nimi's link quoted above. Direct link to Adam's "Note To Self" video (5 mins.): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M29gJK5G7lk

How wise; and wonderful.
Thank you, Adam!

 

[BittyBug]

This news is expected but still worth noting. Often when skaters announce their retirements I am a bit wistful, wishing there would be one more season, one more skate. In Adam's case, I feel nothing but happiness for him. He really maximized his competitive opportunities, left at the top of his abilities and seems to have many options open to him. He also seems grounded, grateful and mature enough to make smart choices as he turns the page.

All the best to him, and my thanks for all that he contributed to my enjoyment of this sport. His bird program will remain one of my favorites for some time.

Olympic team bronze medalist, national champion, 4CC champion and twice world junior champion - impressive resume.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

I got Gus Kenworthy and Matt Wilkas staying a few streets down from me. I should ask them how they are taking the news. LOL.

 

[Yazmeen]

https://olympics.nbcsports.com/2018/11/19/adam-rippon-retires-figure-skating/

 

[LilJen]

Thank you to Adam and his various choreographers for so many lovely programs. Dude always was musical, even if he had seasons of being inconsistent.
Quote from this interview with his costume designer, himself a former skater: "I find it to be more shocking that people are asking if [his butt] is real. I think it’s hysterical."
Thanks for your REAL butt, Adam!

 

[sk9tingfan]

Thank you to Adam and his various choreographers for so many lovely programs. Dude always was musical, even if he had seasons of being inconsistent.
Quote from this interview with his costume designer, himself a former skater: "I find it to be more shocking that people are asking if [his butt] is real. I think it’s hysterical."
Thanks for your REAL butt, Adam!

His Sports Illustrated Body issue cover attests to this.....for posterity

 

[kittyjake5]

Good Luck and Thank You to Adam! He had his ups and downs but it has been pleasure following his skating career.
I will always remember his lovely curls!

 

[jennysk8oboe]

I liked those curls, too. And loved his program to Barber’s Violin Concerto!

 

[Lovemyvike]

He is such an enigmatic personality. I'm so happy he was able to end his professional skating career on the highest possible note! Looking forward to whatever he does in the future.

 

[sk9tingfan]

I liked those curls, too. And loved his program to Barber’s Violin Concerto!

So did I. That year's programs including Oh Father really captured his personality at that age. A real breakout year!

 

[Frau Muller]

Adam stood out in an era when the USA had many competitive men. I’ll admit that I preferred him when he had a bit more mystery - his Jr Worlds years, with the Rafaello Angel curls. My favorite of his Sr programs was the 2012/13 LP to The Incredibles. Wow! ?

 

[Nikki Lee]

I first met Adam in about 1999, at the Old York Road Skating Rink. For seven years, Adam, my daughter and I had the same coach and were like a family. He was learning triples while I was learning halfs. He was always an articulate, courteous, observative, and personable young man. I've loved watching his career bloom, and been delighted with his achievements. He has left a legacy in skating in more ways than one. I will miss his skating. I wish him all the best in the many years ahead, and look forward to his next chapters. Bravo, Adam. You have done yourself proud.

 

[WillyElliot]

I first met Adam in about 1999, at the Old York Road Skating Rink.

Is that in Bucks County, PA? My grandparents lived off of OYR. Interesting.

 

[paskatefan]

Is that in Bucks County, PA? My grandparents lived off of OYR. Interesting.

The Old York Road Skating Rink is in the Philadelphia suburb of Elkins Park, in Montgomery County, just a few minutes away from the Philadelphia County border. We live about 15 minutes from there, and I skated there recreationally as a teenager.

While I'm not surprised about Adam's announcement, I wish him all the best, and hope he continues to stay invovled with figure skating (choreography, shows, etc.). I was one of those fans who loved (& miss) his curls, but his skating was just so beautiful to watch.

 

[Sylvia]

Adam tweeted the CBS video (linked in post #1) yesterday, along with this 4-part message: https://twitter.com/Adaripp/status/1065003183167070208

The lessons I’ve learned on the ice I will take with me into everything I do. Work hard, stay true, be your biggest cheerleader, and GET YOUR CHECK.
I love my skating family so much and am so grateful to everyone I have met. I have been and can’t wait to continue to cheer for everyone ON AND OFF the ice! I love you, guys.
I’m traveling (what feels like almost every day), working all the time, enjoying every second of my new life, and feel so lucky for all the opportunities I’ve been given. Thank you for rooting for someone like me. I will always root for you too.
One last thing: If you thought I was going to continue competing after the Olympics I will have a drink for you tonight because you are out of your mind crazy and I admire your optimism and love you with my full heart.

USFS made it official yesterday, too: https://usfigureskatingfanzone.com/...irms-retirement-from-competitive-skating.aspx
"Through the Years" (2010-2018) 55-second video: https://twitter.com/USFigureSkating/status/1064965818033725440