At 28 years old, France's Kevin Aymoz has finally shattered the glass ceiling, claiming his first-ever Grand Prix gold medal at Skate America 2025. But here's where it gets emotional: this victory wasn't just about the medal—it was a testament to Aymoz's resilience after openly battling mental health struggles and eating disorders, nearly walking away from the sport he loves. And this is the part most people miss: his unwavering passion for skating kept him going, leading to this triumphant moment in Lake Placid, New York.
In a nail-biting men's event on Saturday, November 15th, Aymoz's roller-coaster free skate to "Bolero"—complete with red gloves and a quadruple toe-loop opener—edged out Kazakhstan's Mikhail Shaidorov, the 2025 world silver medallist, by a razor-thin margin of 2.44 points (253.53 to 251.09). Short program leader Tomono Kazuki faltered, slipping to third place with 245.57, while U.S. favorite Jason Brown finished fourth at 239.59. Controversially, some argue that Brown's artistry deserved higher scores, but the judges' decision solidified Aymoz's place atop the podium.
This win marks Aymoz's eighth Grand Prix podium appearance, but his first gold—a milestone made sweeter by his runner-up finishes at Skate America in the past two years. Reflecting on his journey, Aymoz shared, 'Finally a gold medal... I feel like I won one of the biggest events in the world. It's incredible.' His mindset? 'Go big or go home,' he admitted, knowing he had no chance to qualify for the Grand Prix Final but aiming for his personal best.
Here’s where it gets controversial: While Aymoz joins the ranks of American superstars Ilia Malinin and Nathan Chen as recent Skate America champions, questions linger about the mental and physical toll elite skating demands. Aymoz himself revealed he competed with an injury, skating through pain. Is the sport doing enough to support athletes' well-being? Weigh in below.
Meanwhile, Shaidorov, just 21, called his week 'difficult' but praised his own fight in the free skate, emphasizing the mental challenges of the season. Jason Brown, 30, faced his own struggles in his 'Say Something' program, battling under-rotations and fatigue but applauding his tenacity. 'I never gave up,' he said, already looking ahead to Grand Prix Finland next week.
Skate America 2025 is the fifth of six ISU Grand Prix stops this Olympic season, with skaters vying for six coveted spots at the Final in Nagoya, Japan. The series wraps up next week in Finland, leaving fans to wonder: Who will rise to the top next? What’s your take? Does Aymoz’s victory redefine resilience in figure skating, or is the sport’s mental health conversation still lagging? Share your thoughts in the comments!
