Jason Brown is an American figure skater celebrated for his balletic skating style and consistent excellence on the world stage. A two-time U.S. champion (at the junior and senior levels), Olympic team medalist, and world championships medalist, Brown has become a symbol of artistry and perseverance in the sport. He’s renowned for combining athleticism with musical expression, drawing both die-hard skating fans and casual viewers into his performances.

Where is Jason Brown from?

Born and raised in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park, Illinois, Brown began skating at age 5 and quickly stood out for his musicality and precision. His parents supported his rise through the U.S. Figure Skating system, where he trained under Kori Ade before moving to Toronto to work with Brian Orser and Tracy Wilson.

How old is Jason Brown in 2026?

Born on December 15, 1994, Jason Brown will be 31 years old during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics — an age that makes him one of the most seasoned competitors in the men’s field. Yet Brown continues to defy expectations, performing at a level that rivals athletes a decade younger.

When did Jason Brown start figure skating?

Brown first stepped onto the ice at age 3, becoming inspired by the joy and creativity the sport offered. By his early teens, he already was a standout on the U.S. junior circuit. His international breakthrough came at the 2013 World Junior Championships, where he captured silver, signaling the arrival of a major new talent.

How did Jason Brown rise to fame with his Riverdance program?

Brown’s ascent to global fame came with his now-iconic “Riverdance” free skate during the 2014 U.S. Championships. The electrifying program, choreographed by Rohene Ward, became a viral sensation thanks to its fusion of Irish dance rhythm, crowd-pleasing energy, and Brown’s captivating performance. The program helped him secure a spot on the 2014 Olympic team at just 19 years old and remains one of the most celebrated programs in U.S. skating history.

Did Jason Brown win a medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics?

Brown earned a bronze medal as part of Team USA in the Sochi 2014 team event. He also placed 9th individually in the men’s competition, cementing his reputation as a rising star with world-class potential.

How many Olympics has Jason Brown competed in?

Brown has competed in two Olympic Games — Sochi 2014 and Beijing 2022 — and aims to qualify for his third at Milan Cortina 2026. His Olympic journey has been defined not only by medals but by artistry, perseverance, and his ability to evolve with the sport.

What makes Jason Brown’s skating style unique?

Brown’s skating often is described as lyrical and artistic. His transitions are seamless, his flexibility allows for a range of movements not typically showcased in men's figure skating, and his choreography flows organically with each piece of music. While Brown isn’t known for the quadruple jumps that dominate men’s skating today, his programs are masterclasses in interpretation, edge work, and performance quality — traits that consistently earn him some of the highest component scores in the world.

What are Jason Brown’s most iconic skating programs?

Beyond “Riverdance,” Brown’s career is filled with memorable performances that highlight his range and artistry. He has collaborated with choreographer Rohene Ward for nearly all of his programs throughout his career. His “Schindler’s List” program remains one of his most emotional, while his “Sinnerman” short program, performed at the 2022 Olympics, became a career-defining statement on passion and maturity. Other standout routines include “The Sound of Silence,” “Love Is a Bitch,” and his evocative “I Could Have Danced All Night,” each showcasing his mastery of movement and musical nuance.

How does Jason Brown compare to Nathan Chen and other U.S. men’s skaters?

While skaters like Nathan Chen and Ilia Malinin have pushed the technical boundaries of men’s skating, Brown has carved out a parallel legacy rooted in artistry and performance. He often earns some of the highest component scores internationally — sometimes surpassing skaters with multiple quadruple jumps. In a field dominated by technical arms races, Brown stands as a reminder that skating’s emotional and artistic dimensions remain just as vital.

What milestones has Jason Brown reached in artistry and performance?

Brown widely is regarded as one of the finest performers in U.S. skating history. He’s received perfect 10s for components in international competition and is a two-time recipient of the U.S. Figure Skating’s Best Performance Award. His influence on the next generation is undeniable — many younger skaters credit him for inspiring them to approach choreography and artistry with equal seriousness as their jumps.

Jason Brown’s Road to 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics

As the 2025–26 season unfolds, Brown remains focused on refining his programs and maximizing his strengths ahead of the Olympic year. He’s been working closely with his Toronto coaching team to develop programs that highlight both innovation and emotional connection — a balance that has defined his career. As well as reprising his Riverdance program for his short program this season, he will be competing a free skate to a cover of "Say Something," by Mahogany Sessions performed by Jacob Banks.

What challenges could Jason Brown face at the 2026 Olympics?

At age 31, Brown will face stiff competition from younger skaters with more advanced technical arsenals. The men’s field continues to evolve rapidly, led by quad-heavy programs from rising stars. Yet Brown’s advantage lies in experience and consistency — particularly under Olympic pressure. If he can combine clean execution with his renowned artistry, he remains a strong contender for a podium finish.

What are Jason Brown’s biggest career highlights in figure skating?

• Olympic team bronze in 2014
• 2015 U.S. national title
• Numerous Grand Prix medals (9 total)
• Four Continents medals: Silver (2020) and bronze (2018)
• World Junior medals: Silver (2013) and bronze (2012)
• Strong Olympic singles performance in 2022 (6th overall, personal bests)
• Contributions to Team USA in World Team Trophy/team competitions with podiums

Has Jason Brown won medals at the world championships?

While Brown has not reached the podium in men’s singles at the world championships, he has finished just one placement away, in 4th (2015) and in 5th place in 2023 and 2024. In team events like World Team Trophy, he has been part of U.S. teams that have reached five podiums. 

• Brown is fluent in Japanese and has earned a strong fan base in Japan
• He publicly came out as gay via Instagram in 2021, becoming an important voice for LGBTQ+ athletes in figure skating
• Despite occasional hints of stepping away, he repeatedly returns to competition
• Brown structures lighter seasons strategically, not out of inability, but out of deliberate pacing — he has long acknowledged that rest, recovery, and selective programming can prolong a competitive career
• Commentators have marveled at how Brown can generate performance impact even without quads
• He’s long been a model of how artistry can remain central in men’s skating — even as technical norms shift