As two-time Olympic figure skater Jason Brown competes this weekend in St. Louis, aiming for a third chance to represent the U.S. at the Olympics in Milan, he faces substantial pressure. However, for the Olympic medalist, this moment is not just about competition; it also highlights a longstanding balance between the demands of elite athleticism and his deep-rooted Jewish identity.
Brown recognizes the significance of being a Jewish Olympian. “First and foremost, it means so much. It’s not in any way an afterthought,” he expressed, underscoring the importance of visibility for young Jewish athletes. He believes representation matters immensely, offering inspiration to the next generation. “For me, having that chance to be one of those Jewish athletes that this next generation of kids can look up to and see like, ‘Oh, he did it. He can do it, so can I,’ that means the world to me,” Brown stated.
The commitment to figure skating began at a young age for Brown, who started taking lessons at just three years old. His connection to Judaism has always remained integral to his life. Growing up in Highland Park, Illinois, he attended Jewish sleepaway camp OSRUI in Wisconsin and celebrated his bar mitzvah, all while maintaining his rigorous skating schedule. Notably, he performed to the score of “Schindler’s List” during the 2022 Beijing Olympics, showcasing his cultural heritage through his art.
Throughout his career, Brown has learned to balance various facets of his life, including family, school, and Jewish traditions. His parents prioritized his multiple interests, engaging in conversations at the start of each year to allocate time for Hebrew school, bar mitzvah studies, and skating. “You have these sections of my life that were basically non-negotiables. Skating fit into all the extra time that we possibly could,” he explained.
Strong family support has been crucial for Brown. He credits his parents, who were always there to help him pursue his goals. “You want to go train somewhere else for the week with your coach when you have that week off? Great. We’ll help you get there,” he recounted their encouragement.
This solid foundation propelled Brown to significant heights, as he became one of the youngest male Olympic medalists, winning bronze with Team USA at just 19 during the Sochi Olympics. His focus on being well-rounded has served him well in avoiding an all-or-nothing mentality often prevalent in sports.
As he navigates what could be the final Olympic trials of his career, competing in familiar St. Louis, Brown reflects fondly on his early days in the sport. “Growing up, I competed all over the Midwest. We did so many road trips,” he reminisced about his childhood trips to local rinks with his family. “It’s so sweet to see them in the stands today. I love being back. It feels, in a lot of ways, like a second home.”
Looking forward, Brown’s message to young Jewish athletes is one of balance, encouraging them to embrace their identity while striving for success in their pursuits. “You can embrace that side of yourself,” he asserted, “and you can also strive to achieve anything you want.”
As he steps onto the ice this weekend, Brown not only seeks personal accolades but also represents hope and inspiration for future generations, reinforcing the importance of staying true to one’s identity while reaching for the stars.