Jason Brown

[teddycat]

I do think it will be Jason's last season, although what do I know? I thought, and I think Jason thought, that Beijing would be his last year and look what happened.

The full court social media press, although great for fans, seems to imply that.

I would hope that Jason does whatever is best for him personally, even if he feels pressured that the US doesn't have many men who are doing well internationally. He has done his time and should have a successful career as a pro no matter what.

 

[Bookseller]

I would hope that Jason does whatever is best for him personally, even if he feels pressured that the US doesn't have many men who are doing well internationally. He has done his time and should have a successful career as a pro no matter what.

 

[Bookseller]

I think that Jason fully expected the 22 Olympics to be his final competition. But when the freeskate was over, he realized that maybe he wasn't done. He followed every opportunity that was offered to him that year and into the next and I think he began to feel that the '22 Olympics wasn't how he wanted to go out. No audience, no family, isolation. With the 2026 Olympics in Italy, I think he began to think in Olympic quad terms and see where he ended up. But the commitment didn't really start until last year when he signed up for the GPs. And he had equipment problems, so it was looking doubtful. But with that solved, he decided to go for it. He's asking a lot of himself, but he seems to be enjoying this year and he doesn't seem burned out. He's doing this for himself. He loves to compete. And he's still relevant.

Adam and Ashley have been doing a 4 session podcast on Men's lore in skating and just covered 2018 to 2022. Jason is part of that. They are moving on to Ice Dance next week, but the Men's section was very interesting. I love their podcast, but this historic recap series is very interesting and I've learned things. It's worth the time to listen, if you have the time in your schedules.

 

[noskates]

I think Jason has stayed in for several reasons - the first is his love of competing and a chance to go to the Olympics again. I don't know if he's getting pressured by the US federation but IMO they have needed him to keep getting their spots. After Ilia, there is a large void of skaters that have talent but don't seem to deliver under pressure. Even without quads, Jason is a sure fire bet for a very high score because of his presentations skills. He took some time away from competition to sort of reset and then came back with a vengeance. I would be very surprised if he doesn't retire after the Olympics. I just hope that the US men step up and start being more competitive internationally. Not pointing fingers, but after Ilia and Jason it gets kind of sketchy.

 

[Bookseller]

It does get sketchy. They do seem to be promoting Maxim and Andrew and either one can step up or not. We'll see how the GP season goes. But it's been tough on the men to have spent the past 10 years chasing unbeatable skaters. Only Jason seems to have figured out a winning formula and he's got enough of a track record that he can deal with not winning gold when either Nathan or Ilia are competing. He just loves to skate and loves to compete. The medals are gravy, not the main event for him.

 

[teddycat]

It does get sketchy. They do seem to be promoting Maxim and Andrew and either one can step up or not. We'll see how the GP season goes. But it's been tough on the men to have spent the past 10 years chasing unbeatable skaters. Only Jason seems to have figured out a winning formula and he's got enough of a track record that he can deal with not winning gold when either Nathan or Ilia are competing. He just loves to skate and loves to compete. The medals are gravy, not the main event for him.

Jimmy has talked about having to compete for so long against the best in the world, Nathan and Ilia. He, Jacob and Lucas are also contenders. Jason has been a superstar for USFS and will be irreplaceable.

 

[Bookseller]

Jimmy has talked about having to compete for so long against the best in the world, Nathan and Ilia. He, Jacob and Lucas are also contenders. Jason has been a superstar for USFS and will be irreplaceable.

Jacob is a potential star for Team USA but has a long way to go. He's probably aiming more for the 2030 Olympics, but a great Nats performance and a senior breakout at the GPs would help him a lot. I see Maxim as having the motivation to break out this year. USFS is heavily supporting him for many reasons and his backstory is compelling. But as things stand now, Jason should be on that 26 team. He will have to earn his spot, but in many ways, he has earned it. I'm hoping for strong GPs this year and a good showing at Nats.

Jason made his peace with Nathan pretty early. He had already been National Champion and should have been a repeat for 2016, but he was injured and Adam justly got that one. By 2017 it was all Nathan! Jason's longevity is heading toward legendary. It he continues to get better this season, it will be legendary. But it's his path, not a usual path. He is an inspiration to older skaters. But if Jason does make the team for 2026, I don't expect to see him do another GP season. But I could see him going to Nationals and maybe Worlds. We'll see how the season goes. I don't think he'll aim for 2030. Successful quads will become more dominant as time goes on. And he's not aiming for that. I am sure that he's like to land a nice one in competition, but not at the expense of his program. He's rather be perfect.

The secret to Jason's success also relies on his POV. He's stated that he only competes with fellow team members for competition spots. When they are on the road, they are one team and he doesn't compete with them. He just tries to skate his best. If a medal comes his way, he's happy. If not, and he's skated his best. He's happy. I think he'll be happy to do a couple of show seasons and decide what he wants to do with his life. He still says he wants to teach Japanese kids English. And I'm sure he'll continue to represent RMHC. He'll be busy no matter what he chooses to do next season.

 

[noskates]

O
I'm sorry but I have different feelings about some of the skaters mentioned......some of them have been trying for years to break into that elite atmosphere and they either have the jumps and not the presentation or their consistency is hit and miss. I'm sincerely hoping Maxim can put it all together. I love Andrew but he's a heartbreaker. Jimmy? No! I honestly think that ship has sailed. Jason hasn't "found" a way to stay competitive....it's in his very nature to succeed in the most beautiful way possible. I think he takes great pride in delivering a good performance and medals and kudos are just cream on the top. I think Kori Ade was the driving force in his motivation and provided the mothering and emotional support until his talent surpassed her coaching expertise. Tracy and Brian (especially Tracy who was kind of a grown-up Kori) just provided the finishing touch.....and God love Rohene for knowing what has always been right for Jason (except maybe Tarzan? It was kind of a perfect storm IMO. And it shut up the people that think quads are the bees knees.....

 

[Bookseller]

O
I'm sorry but I have different feelings about some of the skaters mentioned......some of them have been trying for years to break into that elite atmosphere and they either have the jumps and not the presentation or their consistency is hit and miss. I'm sincerely hoping Maxim can put it all together. I love Andrew but he's a heartbreaker. Jimmy? No! I honestly think that ship has sailed. Jason hasn't "found" a way to stay competitive....it's in his very nature to succeed in the most beautiful way possible. I think he takes great pride in delivering a good performance and medals and kudos are just cream on the top. I think Kori Ade was the driving force in his motivation and provided the mothering and emotional support until his talent surpassed her coaching expertise. Tracy and Brian (especially Tracy who was kind of a grown-up Kori) just provided the finishing touch.....and God love Rohene for knowing what has always been right for Jason (except maybe Tarzan? It was kind of a perfect storm IMO. And it shut up the people that think quads are the bees knees.....

Clearly, Jason works very well with women coaches and he's always been underestimated as a fierce competitor, because he's so nice. But he's shown his mettle and his determination full out for years now. You're right, he didn't find a way, he carved a way with hard work and laser sharp focus. I don't blame Ro for Tarzan. It wasn't terrible and it wasn't Ro's or Jason's fault that the boots were a huge problem, but compared to Sinnerman and other shorts, Tarzan didn't hold up. It was ok. It really wasn't Jason. But Jason chose that music and that was the first mistake. Some things just don't work. Just a misstep, but not a disaster. Inner Love, was a disaster. Simon and Garfunkle (not Ro's) was a near disaster, maybe even full out. But Tarzan just wasn't generating the needed points. And frankly, Hamilton was a mistake too. Jason skated it well, but it was not a big success. Love is a Bi*ch was terrific also. So many great shorts from Jason and Ro, but Tarzan wasn't one of them.

Sadly, Jimmy just can't break through beyond mediocrity and occasional brightness. Same with Tomoki. The Men's GPs will be very interesting.

I've seen people post that Jason should step aside and give the younger skaters a chance. That's not how it works. Jason has made it clear. If they want to replace him, they'll have to take it from him. He's not giving it to them. And I say, GOOD FOR JASON!! That is what a competitor should say. And Jason is a competitor. And he's good at it.

 

[teddycat]

I mentioned Jimmy because some of his fans were encouraged by the 4CC medal and think he has a decent chance to make the Olympic team. It could be true that Maxim and Andrew are more likely possibilities if they skate well in the fall.

I may be in the minority for actually liking the Tarzan SP, but it wasn't Jason's best. He is so versatile that I find him worth watching in whatever music and style he adopts. I agree that there is no reason for him to step aside for anyone as long as he still wants to compete.

 

[sworddance21]

I mentioned Jimmy because some of his fans were encouraged by the 4CC medal and think he has a decent chance to make the Olympic team. It could be true that Maxim and Andrew are more likely possibilities if they skate well in the fall.

I may be in the minority for actually liking the Tarzan SP, but it wasn't Jason's best. He is so versatile that I find him worth watching in whatever music and style he adopts. I agree that there is no reason for him to step aside for anyone as long as he still wants to compete.

I liked the Tarzan program, too. I think it needed more time that it just didn't get. It was so complicated that it needed time for him to get super comfortable with the tech so he could really sell the nuances of the story. Sinnerman took time to gel - as a (dance) choreographer it makes sense to me - sometimes you have to REALLY get the tech/steps before you can live the program.

 

[TallyT]

I've seen people post that Jason should step aside and give the younger skaters a chance. That's not how it works.

People have always been very fond of that mantra... but can you imagine the mess US men's skating would be in right now if he had? The other skaters had chances, but he is . just. that. much. better. Without quads. With real skating.

As for afterwards, he's one of the few (very few without, or even with, serious international gold) who have carved their own options over the years and he does have a solid place, and invitations that more 'successful' skaters can't get. We were talking on the Yuzu fest of the manic minutes before the Sochi flower ceremony, and that lovely moment when Jason came up to congratulate and hug him. That was eleven years ago, and they are still friends, and Jason is the one who gets the invites to his shows. Jason is also one of the overseas skaters (like Stephane) who the Japanese audiences want to see.

I honestly believe we will still see him more often than most.who've left competition.

 

[Bookseller]

People have always been very fond of that mantra... but can you imagine the mess US men's skating would be in right now if he had? The other skaters had chances, but he is . just. that. much. better. Without quads. With real skating.

As for afterwards, he's one of the few (very few without, or even with, serious international gold) who have carved their own options over the years and he does have a solid place, and invitations that more 'successful' skaters can't get. We were talking on the Yuzu fest of the manic minutes before the Sochi flower ceremony, and that lovely moment when Jason came up to congratulate and hug him. That was eleven years ago, and they are still friends, and Jason is the one who gets the invites to his shows. Jason is also one of the overseas skaters (like Stephane) who the Japanese audiences want to see.

I honestly believe we will still see him more often than most.who've left competition.

Jason is such a genuinely kind and good person, that people reach out to him and enjoy having him around. Yuzu went on to be a real mentor to Jason when he first joined the team at Cricket, and continued to be friendly even after they were training separately. Jason learned Japanese for one major reason. He wanted to be able to speak to his many Japanese fans in their language. And now he really can! Team USA is very lucky to have Jason and they know it. And he's grateful to them for their support and he will stop only when he feels that he has nothing more to contribute. Keep in mind that when Jason and Jeremy went to Sochi. team USA had two spots. Jason skated Worlds in 2015 with Adam and they earned 3 spots for the next year. Jason was not chosen for World's in 2016 because of injury. They sent 3 skaters and they only got 2 spots. 2017, they sent Nathan and Jason who finished 7th and 6th. Three spots. 2018, Three spots at the Olympics. Jason turns down World's in 2018, but Nathan graciously went, and they eked out 3 spots. Nathan won and Max Aaron got 11th. The next year they sent Nathan, Vince and Jason and all three scored together 13 points and won 3 spots. There is a pattern here. Jason pulls it together and delivers when he needs to for the TEAM. That's why they keep sending him to World's and why he's still competing. And he doesn't do it by depending on quads. He is without question a GREAT RELIABLE skater!

 

[noskates]

It wasn't the choreography that I disliked in the Tarzan program - it was the music itself. That wailing woman gave me hives. And I really, really disliked his Hamilton piece. I know he fought for it and really wanted it but it just wasn't skating music in my opinion. Much like a lot of the music being mentioned in the thread on "what would you like to see/hear". Again, just my opinion but some of it might be fun to listen to but miserable to try and skate to. Or watch someone skate to it.

 

[Bookseller]

The first incarnation of Hamilton was actually pretty good. But over the course of the season, it changed. The incredible jump on the beat of the music that awed Lin Manuel moved to just after that beat, and the interpretation faltered. Jason has said many times that he was struggling mentally with that whole season, feeling torn and not in control. That alone damaged the Hamilton program, though he was getting decent scores for it. It was such a difficult and disappointing season for him, that it's best to put that program away and not return to it, and I'm sure that's what he's done. He's a totally different skater and a much more mature person now and new programs should work well for him. That said, I loved the anniversary exhibition of Riverdance at World's! For this season, I hope that he skates to music that he loves and that is meaningful and choreo that emphasizes what Jason does best.

 

[sworddance21]

It wasn't the choreography that I disliked in the Tarzan program - it was the music itself. That wailing woman gave me hives. And I really, really disliked his Hamilton piece. I know he fought for it and really wanted it but it just wasn't skating music in my opinion. Much like a lot of the music being mentioned in the thread on "what would you like to see/hear". Again, just my opinion but some of it might be fun to listen to but miserable to try and skate to. Or watch someone skate to it.

I agree about Hamilton. That one did not work for me - and I, too, think that music isn't well-suited to skating.

 

[el henry]

I am in a superstitious mood today (well, almost every day )

All this Jason content on IG is wonderful. Some real nuggets (saving every costume) mixed in with breakfast and Pilates.

But I remember 2017-18. The Jason Brown YouTube channel. The vlogs. And we all know about 2018

So summoning up good juju for this particular year of content.

 

[Bookseller]

I am in a superstitious mood today (well, almost every day )

All this Jason content on IG is wonderful. Some real nuggets (saving every costume) mixed in with breakfast and Pilates.

But I remember 2017-18. The Jason Brown YouTube channel. The vlogs. And we all know about 2018

So summoning up good juju for this particular year of content.

The tone of this is different.This is joyful and positive. 2017/18 was eager and wishful. It was about the reward. This is more about the fun of the journey and less about yearning. Jason wants to make that team, but there’s no desperation. He’s promoting the Olympics,but he’s also having fun. He wasn’t having fun in 2017/18. The vibe is different. And he’s much more confident and sure of his value.

 

[apgold]

Checking in to say I'm loving Jason's IG content of late. Those pilates videos are killing me, lol. I do pilates and could never replicate some of those exercises he is doing. Go Jason!

I'm also planning to attend Skate America so looking forward to seeing him skate live again.

 

[Bookseller]

Checking in to say I'm loving Jason's IG content of late. Those pilates videos are killing me, lol. I do pilates and could never replicate some of those exercises he is doing. Go Jason!

I'm also planning to attend Skate America so looking forward to seeing him skate live again.

Lucky you! I live in Virginia now, so going to Lake Placid is a trek. But I would love to be there. My friend that you met when we had lunch in Albany, back when that weird women's skating competition took place, just died, and she had stopped going to Figure Skating competitions, but I had a hope earlier this year that I could persuade her to go to Lake Placid with me. That was not possible in the end, so I'll be watching on Peacock and wishing I was there! It's going to be great!