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via Reuters

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via Reuters

This US figure skating star has never been the skater who fits the mold, and that’s exactly why his latest admission hits hard. Despite his years of experience and a resume packed with elite performances, his selection for the World Figure Skating Championships didn’t come without criticism. Some questioned whether he deserved the spot, citing his lack of a major international title. But when asked about the scrutiny, Jason Brown didn’t shy away.

Jason Brown’s spot at the 2025 World Championships raised some eyebrows after he withdrew from the U.S. Championships. Critics questioned if he was competition-ready, but Brown shut down doubts by clearing the “return to play” protocol—proving he was more than prepared to deliver on the world stage. So, what did he have to say? And how did he handle the nerves when it mattered most?

Jason Brown is no stranger to scrutiny, but he’s also no stranger to proving himself. When questions arose about his selection for the World Figure Skating Championships, Brown had a simple yet powerful response. Per the “A Divine Sport” X post, Brown stated, “This is my 3rd Worlds in a pre-Olympic year. I’ve always delivered.” And he’s not wrong. Time and again, he has stepped up when it mattered most, helping secure crucial team spots. Yet, even with his experience, Brown admitted to battling major nerves on the ice.

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Brown further added, “I’ve always been able to do what I needed to do, with my counterparts, to get the spots for the team.” Jason Brown has backed up his words with results—helping Team USA secure a bronze medal in the 2014 Olympic team event and delivering a strong sixth-place finish at Beijing 2022. His performances have consistently played a key role in maintaining the U.S. men’s spots on the world stage.

But if there’s one thing that sets him apart, it’s his unwavering presence—both as a competitor and as a person. Fellow skater Jimmy Glenn recalls a moment that speaks volumes about Brown’s character. “I remember distinctly being backstage at the (post-competition) gala performance and seeing Jason and congratulating him, thinking he didn’t know who I was,” Glenn shared. “He ran up to me and gave me a big hug and congratulated me. Oh my God, I was just blown away by his kindness and supportiveness when I was just some random kid, and he had just made the Olympic team,” she further mentioned.

Even after delivering a performance so electrifying that the crowd was on its feet before he even finished, Brown still took the time to uplift those around him. That kind of generosity isn’t just reserved for off-ice moments—it translates into his skating. As he took the ice this time, nerves or not, Brown remained focused on what he does best—delivering. His track record speaks for itself, and if history is any indication, he’s once again set to quiet the critics in the best way possible: through his performance.

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Jason Brown’s impact beyond competition

Jason Brown isn’t just a skater—he’s the heart and soul of figure skating. At the 2024 U.S. Championships, he became the first skater since Paul Wylie in 2010 to win the Button-Salchow Trophy, an award that honors sportsmanship and contributions to the sport. But let’s be real—Brown’s impact goes way beyond trophies. He’s the guy who cheers the loudest for his teammates, the skater younger athletes look up to, and the friend who lifts others up. Just ask Evgenia Medvedeva—when they trained together in Toronto, their bond became proof that Brown’s kindness is just as legendary as his skating.

And while figure skating has become a quad-jumping battlefield, Brown reminds the world that artistry still matters. His “Sinnerman” short program at Beijing 2022, choreographed by Rohene Ward, wasn’t just a routine—it was a moment. Inspired by Alvin Ailey’s “Revelations,” his performance had the crowd feeling every step, every emotion, every breathtaking movement. He didn’t need a quad to leave an unforgettable mark—he did it with pure passion and storytelling on the ice.

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But let’s not pretend his path has been easy. Missing the 2018 Olympic team could’ve been the end of the road, but Brown wasn’t about to let that define him. Instead, he packed up, moved to Toronto, and started fresh with Tracy Wilson and Brian Orser. It was risky, but it changed everything. By 2022, he was back at the Olympics, finishing sixth and proving—once again—that there’s more than one way to be great in this sport.

As he says himself, “I have utmost respect for what those guys are doing to push the sport technically… But I am going to push the sport in my way.” And that’s exactly what he’s done—on his own terms, with his own magic. With his upcoming ventures, Brown is all geared up to showcase his talent on the ice.

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