Adam Richard Rippon, born on November 11, 1989, is a retired American figure skater and media personality who has carved out a unique and celebrated place in both the sports and entertainment worlds. He is best known as the 2018 Olympic bronze medalist in the team event, a champion whose charisma and candor made him a breakout star of the Pyeongchang Games. Beyond his athletic accolades, Rippon has seamlessly transitioned into a multifaceted career as a television personality, author, and commentator, becoming one of the most recognizable and influential LGBTQ+ figures in contemporary American culture.

Rippon’s rise in figure skating was marked by early and sustained success. He first gained international attention at the junior level, where he dominated the competition by winning back-to-back World Junior Championships in 2008 and 2009, in addition to capturing the Junior Grand Prix Final title in 2007 and the U.S. junior national championship in 2008. His success continued as he moved up to the senior ranks, where he won the Four Continents Championship in 2010 and, after years of consistent podium finishes, finally secured the U.S. National Championship in 2016. These achievements established him as a top-tier competitor, but his most significant athletic moment came at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Not only did he finish a respectable 10th in the individual event, but he also helped Team USA secure a bronze medal in the team competition. That performance made history, as Rippon became the first openly gay U.S. athlete to qualify for and win a medal at the Winter Olympics, a milestone that resonated far beyond the rink.

Following his Olympic triumph, Rippon’s public profile skyrocketed, and he quickly became a sought-after figure in entertainment. In 2018, he won the 26th season of the hit competition series Dancing with the Stars alongside professional dancer Jenna Johnson, showcasing a natural flair for performance that captivated audiences. He further expanded his television resume by guest-hosting an episode of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2019, starring in the MTV comedy series Messyness in 2021, and winning the reality competition show Stars on Mars in 2023. His wit and intelligence also made him a popular commentator, and in 2024 he joined NBC’s broadcast team for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, providing analysis alongside fellow skater and former training mate Ashley Wagner. In addition to his on-screen work, Rippon released his memoir, Beautiful on the Outside, in October 2019, a candid and humorous look at his life and career that further solidified his status as a compelling voice in popular culture.

Throughout his post-skating career, Rippon has remained a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, using his platform to speak out on issues of equality and representation. His influence was recognized in 2018 when he was named to Time magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. From his historic athletic achievements to his dynamic presence on television and in print, Adam Rippon has proven to be a trailblazer who continues to inspire with his authenticity, resilience, and unmistakable charm.