Adam Rippon’s edges are sharp. His wit is sharper. And his eyebrows are sharpest of all.
Adam Rippon is living his best Olympics
How the 28-year-old American figure skater took over the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
The 28-year-old openly gay figure skater emerged as the most joyful and candid star of the 2018 Winter Olympics. With his performances and personality both drawing rave reviews, Rippon has made history, friends, and an impact on his own terms.
“He’s owned these Olympics,” NBC announcer Terry Gannon said during the broadcast of the men’s free skate. “He’s made them his.”
In fact, Adam was so compelling that NBC even offered him a job as a correspondent before the games were even ov.
Let’s look at some of the many ways that Adam has been living his best Olympics in Pyeongchang:
He is a pioneer.
Adam became the first openly gay U.S. athlete to qualify for the Winter Olympics in January. After missing out on the Sochi Olympics in 2014, Adam came out in 2015 to “be a relatable example.”
He wants to be a role model.
He dazzled slayed in his Olympic debut.
Skating the men’s free skate in the figure skating team event, Adam put up the third-best score.
He helped Team USA win a bronze medal.
He won that medal with one of his best friends.
He’s making new friends in Pyeongchang too.
He’s also getting shouted out by his future friends.
He’s sharing what(ever) is on his mind.
But he’s also revealing some hard truths.
Rippon talked to The New York Times about diet and body image issues that he has faced as a male figure skater.
Rippon was subsisting mostly on a daily diet of three slices of whole grain bread topped with miserly pats of the spread I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter. He supplemented his “meals” with three cups of coffee, each sweetened with six packs of Splenda.
“It makes me dizzy now to think about it,” Rippon told the New York Times.
And he’s speaking truth to power.
Leading up the games, Rippon shared his views on the selection of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence to lead the Olympic delegation.
“You mean Mike Pence, the same Mike Pence that funded gay conversion therapy?” Rippon said to USA Today. “I’m not buying it.”
When Pence pushed back, Rippon didn’t relent.
Appreciate his eyebrows. But hear his message.
Sure, Adam’s eyebrows deserve to be recognized. They are special. But look past them and see a meaningful message of shared experience and sameness that transcends our differences.
In the spotlight, he kept on amazing with his short program.
He isn’t letting any haters hold him back.
Yes, he’s a glamazon bitch.
He got to hang out on Sesame Street.
Rippon dropped by Sesame Street to tell Elmo and Cookie Monster about figure skating. He was part of a Team USA delegation that included Lindsey Vonn, Jamie Anderson and Chloe Kim.
He’s out here doing his very best — even if he’s not the best.
Without a routine packed with quad jumps, Adam never had a great chance of reaching the podium in the men’s singles event. But he still aimed to deliver his best possible performances in a way that he felt good about.
He still finished competing on a high note.
With another poetic, fluid performance in the men’s free skate, Adam finished 10th overall. Off the podium, but still unforgettable.
NBC offered him a gig. But he’s remaining an Olympian.
After being asked by NBC to serve as a correspondent for the remainder of the games, Adam decided to retain his status as an Olympian.
