Tara Lipinski Instagram – I will miss you. You will always be the godfather of this sport. Your accomplishments revolutionized figure skating and skating simply wouldn’t be what it is without you.
As a young skater I knew of your legacy but it was your voice that made the biggest impact on me and the skater I would become. I would listen back to every competition and I hung onto your every word. Your critiques were direct and honest and they made me want to work harder to make sure you noticed I had fixed the note. (My layback position was your favorite note) And when you praised me I was filled with pride. Your enthusiasm about my skating instilled confidence in me.
Throughout my career you would always be so supportive reminding me I was a Gladiatrix and that I better never lose my moxie.
As a commentator you were the best to ever do it and in my mind always will be. Your wit, passion, and honesty made you magic. When I took my own seat as a commentator you were one of the first to reach out. I’ll never forget my chat with you, much like the chats we had when I was a young skater- I felt that I was making you proud and you reminded me once again to never lose my moxie. I hope I continue to make you proud or at least get a chuckle from time to time.
As a human you were charismatic, full of biting wit, kindness, had the best boisterous laugh and always had a sparkle in your eye. I felt honored anytime I was in your presence. You were a hero to me and your bunny ears I will miss- to me they were a privilege to get.
I keep thinking how special it was when we got all the Olympic Gold Medalists together over the years. How lucky I was to be part of that- a small but mighty group. The next time we all meet, it won’t be the same.
But your impact on me remains- even as my world has turned upside down this month, I think I can still hear you telling me that I’m a gladiatrix and to not to lose my moxie.
Your impact on the sport I love and the people part of it is legendary just like you. | Posted on 01/Feb/2025 09:36:43
