5 Questions With Highland Park Olympic Figure Skater Jason Brown

He wowed the Beijing crowds with his breathtaking artistry en route to a sixth-place finish in men’s Olympic figure skating. Now, as 27-year-old Highland Park native Jason Brown makes his next move, he talks to NS about his journey so far, growing up on the North Shore, what coming out has meant to him and more.

1. In Beijing, you performed with such joy. How were you able to embrace that pressure-filled moment? I just kept reminding myself how prepared I was. I had worked so hard to be ready for that moment, so I did my best to relax knowing I had given it my all and it was time to just perform.

2. What are you proudest of from your career so far?

I’m honestly so proud of my journey back to the Olympics. I made the Olympic team in 2014 but was an alternate in 2018. For me, continuing to grow (as a skater and person), battling my inner demons, overcoming setbacks and doubts, and rekindling my love for this sport in order to make it back onto the 2022 Olympic team was a huge feat for me.

3. How has growing up on the North Shore influenced you?

I grew up in the most loving and accepting community. I always felt so supported being whoever I wanted to be. I’m so grateful for the people around me and the love they gave me throughout my childhood.

4. June is Pride Month; what effect has coming out had on you?

For me, coming out was almost my way of saying thank you to those who came before me, who normalized it for me. It wasn’t some life-changing event or monumental moment because I was fortunate enough to grow up surrounded by such incredible role models in and out of the LGBTQI+ community, making me feel like I could always be and love whoever I wanted.

5. What’s next for you?

I’d love to know the answer to that! Being a post-Olympic year, I’ll probably do some shows, travel and teach some seminars, and take a break of sorts to decompress aft er such an intense competitive season. From there, I have lots of decisions I have to make, but will try to give myself some time to figure that out.