Adam Rippon

 🧊 Meet Adam Rippon: Olympian, Trailblazer, and LGBTQ+ Advocate

Adam Rippon is a celebrated American figure skater, Olympic medalist, and outspoken LGBTQ+ advocate whose journey from Scranton, Pennsylvania, to the global stage has inspired millions. Known for his artistry, resilience, and unapologetic authenticity, Rippon has become a prominent voice both on and off the ice.

🎂 Early Life and Background

Born on November 11, 1989, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Adam Richard Rippon is the eldest of six siblings. He faced significant health challenges early in life, including being born deaf; however, corrective surgery before his first birthday restored his hearing. Rippon began skating at the age of nine, quickly demonstrating a natural talent for the sport. He trained under several esteemed coaches, including Rafael Arutyunyan and Brian Orser, and was known for his unique "Rippon Lutz," a triple Lutz executed with both arms overhead .

⛸️ Skating Career and Achievements

Rippon's competitive career is marked by numerous accolades:

• Two-time World Junior Champion (2008, 2009)

• 2010 Four Continents Champion

• 2016 U.S. National Champion

He represented the United States at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, contributing to the team's bronze medal in the figure skating team event and placing 10th in the men's singles competition .

🌈 Advocacy and Personal Life

In October 2015, Rippon publicly came out as gay, becoming the first openly gay man to qualify for a U.S. Winter Olympic team. His openness and advocacy have made him a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community. Rippon has been recognized for his activism, including receiving the Human Rights Campaign's Visibility Award and being named to Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in 2018 .

🎤 Post-Skating Career and Media Presence

After retiring from competitive skating in 2018, Rippon transitioned into entertainment and media:

• Winner of "Dancing with the Stars: Athletes" in 2018

• Guest appearances on shows like "Will & Grace" and "RuPaul's Drag Race"

• Author of the memoir "Beautiful on the Outside," published in 2019

Rippon continues to engage audiences with his humor, insight, and commitment to authenticity.

Adam Rippon's journey from a young skater in Pennsylvania to an Olympic medalist and influential advocate exemplifies the power of perseverance and the importance of living one's truth.