"Do you have any permanent physical repercussions from skating?"
"No, just emotional. Yes, of course there’s a few."
I love how Adam's sarcasm and humor shows through this article--brightened my day.
14
Lawd, Lawd! Why, I do believe that there boy is cuter ‘n a spotted pup....
Thank you, Adam, you do us proud!
10
Had I been blessed with a son - I'd have been tickled had it been Adam. He is just darling - and yes, at 71 - I can say that.
13
My grandchildren are your age. I not only admire your talent, I celebrate your courage to embrace who you are. Never stop flaunting your bad self. The world needs more young men like you. Bravo!
13
Adam Rippon was the only reason to watch that mind-destroying debauchery of frozen sports. He skated to Bronze but his wickedly camp humor was even better.
12
I love Adam. I hope his fifteen minutes lasts a lifetime.
15
I love Adam Rippon and his attitude. He has worked so hard, been through a lot, learned a lot, and is just moving on through life, engaged and positive. I'm going to give this article to my nine year old daughter to read.
And this made me laugh out loud: "There are other athletes who are more decorated or more accomplished, but they’re not as funny and they’re not as cute." So true. Adam "America's Sweetheart" Rippon, so true.
13
Was so happy to see this lovely young man at the Olympics, whether he won or not. I've been waiting years for him to get the recognition he deserves. Wishing the best for him at whatever he decides to do.
9
Out of the skating rink Mr. Rippon is quite amusing like soft and sticky food that requires to be taken in small portions.
1
This was a tough Olympics to watch given the time zone difference. I did wake up at odd hours in the middle of the night to catch live purely by accident Shaun White’s Gold Medal run and the Canadian ice dancers Virtue and Moir’s Gold. But I completely missed Rippon, whom I wanted to see, and much of the other figure skaters which is my favorite Olympic event. The entire coverage really seemed disorganized and scattershot.
3
Did he win a medal?
He won the bronze in skating. But he won the Gold in personality and humor.
I think he like the latter most.
13
Yes, he won a bronze in the team event.
2
One can only hope he's going to keep skating. He's very good at it.
9
Well Known in America? Kudos to him for the self promotion. Thanks to social Media and the Internet people can become that kind of famous.
His skate in the team competition saved the US in the team skate after Mr. Chen crashed & burned on the ice. I don't remember his skate in the Men's competition probably because the Gold Medal Winner from Japan was so incredible.
Good Luck Adam, but please pace yourself. Remember that Social Media & the Internet tear down just as easily as they build up.
9
He really is a national treasure
15
A treasure at the end of the rainbow
9
Not so famous - I never hard of him.
5
I feel like there are some spectacular young people out there being the voices we need. Adam Rippon, the young folks from Parkland, the Black Lives Matter young people, the Dreamers. They are what makes America great to me right now. Their lack of cynicism and their care to make America a place where we can all exist is amazing in the face of our political nihilism right now.
30
Timothy Goebel, Charles Tickner, Scott Allen, David Jenkins, James Grogan ... true bronze medalists (singles!) all. Lacking publicists as skilled as Rippon's, their fame seems to have eluded them. But hopefully Goebel, who married his partner this past year, and actually works for a living, is happy.
2
Adam Richard Rippon (born November 11, 1989) is an American skater. He won the 2010 Four Continents Championship and the US National Championship. UU 2016 At the beginning of his career, he won the 2008 and 2009 Junior World Championships, the 2007-08 Grand Prix Junior Final and the 2008 junior national title. Rippon was selected to represent the United States at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
12
As a gay man myself, I hope this is the future.
This man has a positive head on his shoulders. It's difficult to imagine a project he could tackle that he wouldn't give his best effort at. I didn't disagree with anything he said in the article. And there several things he said that made me laugh out loud.
22
Loooove Adam Rippon!
The depressing news, sad news and scary news was bringing me down. Reading Adam’s interview was the pick me up I needed.
15
Love him. As for what now? How about Congressman?
6
Adam was famous. You can try to fan the embers.
1
And the question of "what's next" goes unanswered.
2
Whether Adam is gay, straight, or whatever is irrelevant to me. What is relevant is that he persevered, won a medal, and seems to be a genuine person. That’s a winning combination.
25
Congratulations to all! I was lucky to meet a few of these Gold Medalists, who were in NY a few days ago - the hard work of Adam Rippon and all of these athletes is just so inspirational.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKU69ZH7Hfc
1
What I resent about the attention to Rippon is that the US media diminished the male skaters who were better than him. The L.A. Times had a giant picture of Rippon and a gushing story about his "comeback" after a terrible short program. Only the end of the article did the reader find out how he finished. The REAL winner Hanyu had a tiny picture and small story about his Gold medal.
9
That was actually Nathan Chen who had the terrible short program, followed by a long program in which he "redeemed" himself by becoming the first figure skater to cleanly land 5 quad jumps at the Olympics.
3
"How are you going to find time to continue to skate at the level that you’ve been skating at?" Wow, Culture Editor, where was the Editor?
Otherwise...what an interesting character, Mr. Rippon seems to be. I just want him to be happy and healthy... Funny, though, he is not yet a "fully grown" person. Wait until he looks back in a few years and sees he is always learning, always, changing, always evolving...
Good luck, Adam!
6
In addition to being the most ethereally beautiful ice skater I’ve ever seen, Adam Rippon has, and will no doubt continue to be charming, funny, thoughtful, and principled young man. I look forward to seeing whatever it is he does next.
15
Beware of people who use the word "I" in every sentence they utter.
26
Unless it is an interview with personal questions of course.
17
bad advice from his stylist if he has one at the Oscars - if he doesn't have a stylist - get one pronto
3
The designer was Jeremy Scott
1
My mood brightened just seeing his picture here. You have a spark, Adam.
19
He is handsome and represented us with class.I was mesmerized watching him.As a grandmother of a gay grandson Im proud of him.Wish him the best .I think he should of gotten gold!
16
Sorry, there were better skaters-just not American.
6
That tux was a bit much, even for Vanity Fair.
9
It wasn't a Vanity Fair tux. It was his individual creation.
2
The tuxedo was by Jeremy Scott of Moschino, a very well-known designer. Adam Rippon was the only person brave enough to wear it. Mirai Nagasu also wore Moschino to the Oscars, but her dress was less outrageously outre.
7
I enjoy watching Adam Rippon skate because he clearly does it with joy, and he performs his routines with great beauty. I enjoy his candor off-rink, his emotionsal accessibility and his warmth. (Did anyone else catch the moment when he was leaving the rink after a skate, and saw a little girl working as a rink assistant get bonked — hard — on the head with a flower bouquet thrown for him? He gently cradled her head and planted a kiss on the top. That was kind, empathetic and loving.) I wish him all the success in the world. However, the “I’m fabulous and cute and totally the bomb” thing is getting tiresome. I realize that he is staging and marketing himself for a second career as a Johnny Weir/Kardashian kind of outre celebrity, but he might want to cut back a bit on the ego and self-affirmations. I think one of reasons Johnny Weir has been so successful post-skating is that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. He preens, but at the same time he pokes fun at himself — all while taking his job seriously and performing it well.
14
I’m sorry, but this person is about #7.8 billion on my list of famous or important people. He is, after all, just another inllated entertainer.
16
Actually, anyone who stands up to the Vice President for being homophobic is much more than an "entertainer". He is a role model for how to be a real man.
20
Actually he's a very hard working and well trained athlete.
14
This guy makes me so proud to be American!
15
I love this kid! He reminds me so much of my son, it just makes me smile! "You can't explain witchcraft."
16
This is an opportunity for Mr. Rippon to build on his story and become a great gay icon... in time. I hear the right level of humility in his comments, and enough dare in his approach when I see his choice of attire for the Oscars. The fact that he is gay and out defines who he is as an athlete and this is why he deserves the level of attention he is getting. I wish him the best and hope he continues to make the right decisions.
10
He's a beautiful and elegant skater and a wonderful person. I hope the best of his past is the worst of his future.
7
How can you not love Adam Rippon ? The kid skates like a champ, wears his emotions on his sleeve and through sheer grit and determination has been able to shed the image of the abused underdog. I don't see him as a champion for just the LGBT cause but for the cause of the underdog. He exemplifies the victory of the abused over the bully.
14
I just saw him in The View. He has TONS of charisma. He has a place in media, film etc if he wanted to when he quit sports.
11
Cute as a button. I love to see folks enjoying their lives, which usually triggers the bitterness of those who don’t.
17
He can keep skating and grow rich from endorsements. Gays have been a persecuted minority, and he will help change those intolerant and ignorant attitudes. That will make life better for LGBT people now and in the future. When is speaks, he overuses the word "like." He needs to work on breaking that habit.
6
Looking forward to watching this bright star~ you go girl!
6
This guy really has it all together. Good for him!
10
He seems to have a great attitude about the role of athletics in his life. Some elite athletes can't find an identity at all beyond their sport, which honestly, is understandable given how hard they work for it. Ribbon is a good role model in that sense, too. I wish him the very best.
19
I saw him on Colbert this morning. A very naturally funny man who is at home in his own skin. We should all be so lucky. I wish him continued success.
66
I enjoy his frankness and focus on the well-being of gay kids. He's thoughtful and well-spoken, and I hope he rakes in the chips during his supernova.
50
His long program was possibly the most beautiful I've seen in men's figure skating. I was mesmerized watching it.
51
It was refreshing to see grace and beauty on the ice at a time when the scoring is fixated on how many quads a skater can string together in a long program.
42
Sorry, you missed Hanyu who has both the jumps and more artistic skills then Rippon. It's the US loss, that Trump-like they refuse to push the boundries with the quads, insisting the male skaters stay in the 1980's.
2
I'm another reader who was proud of him at the Olympics. He skated beautifully and helped show the world that we aren't all like Pence and Ivanka.
94
In my lifetime, we have gone from where being gay was poison to one's career and the famous went to great lengths to hide it (for example, Rock Hudson entered into a sham heterosexual marriage), to a point where one's gayness makes one an interesting person. I guess this is remarkable to me in three ways:
One, that society has made such an evolution in my lifetime,
Two, that but some pockets of prejudice, the acceptance of people with non heterosexual orientation is pretty much universal now,
Three, I personally evolved after being brought up in a household that condemned and vilified all beliefs, orientations and creeds other than their own. I'm expecting gay house guests this weekend......regular visitors, by the way.
43
Amen to that!
1
My hat is off to Adam Rippon for his Olympic performance.
I would offer him this bit of advice as he sets of on his career: Have some humility.
It pays off in the long run.
38
When he pats himself on the back, I mostly see it as rather witty "doncha know" kind of acknowledgement. And more a kind of self-deprecating humor than any lack of humility. And.... he doesn't have a lot to be "humble" about. Someone who's achieved what he has, surely is aware.
10
Take away the skating, the medal and the Olympics and who do you have? That's all that counts at this end of this journey.
13
Why take away all the hard work and focus and determined drive he had to win the Bronze?
3
Adam Rippon will land on his feet. Apparently, he is in possession of a solid work ethic; qualifying for the Olympics is no small feat, let alone receiving a medal. Where his path will lead, is anyone's guess.
As a 62 year old Gay Man, our community has continuously battled to see a proud, honest and fearless person, such as this. He rightfully called out the hypocrisy and hatefulness of Mike Pence.
Adam Rippon and the young people at the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas HS have restored my faith in these United States as we endure the dark dark days of Trump.
Bravo Adam.
123
Thank you for this article on Adam Rippon. Besides your interview, I recently got to "know" Adam Rippon from seeing him on Colbert's late night show. I love Adam! Yes, he's a very funny person, but one can make their "point well made" to get their beliefs across. In addition, I love Adam for taking advantage of his Olympic fame to espouse tolerance and openness for the dignity and acceptance of all people! Adam will not be remembered first for his Olympic performance. He will be remembered for his humanity. Looking forward to following Adam's next journey!
29
I'm having trouble understanding why the comments are so nasty.
You go, Adam! I am so glad you represent our country.
46
I'm already so sick of his act I can't take it.
29
If you are sick of him, why did you read the article? It’s easy enough to avoid. . .
9
don't watch it...don't listen to it then
1
I’m old enough to be his grandmother and as proud as if he were family. As a physician during the start of the AIDS epidemic, I cared for and watched many many many young men my age die gruesome deaths. They had all ‘come home’ to Cincinnati to die- from the big cities where they could live openly as gay men. I’m encouraged that younger generations are throwing off the shackles of gender conformity so that WE ALL can live our lives out loud.
106
Oh, I remember that horrible time. Seems like I imagined it now and it never happened at all...but it did. I remember that hunted look in the eyes of so many friends that were only in their twenties before they were taken. The horrible brain infections, everybody hoping somehow it might get better. I think this must be what it is like to survive a war and yet be burdened with so many memories.
2
Fascinating that most of the negative comments here are from males.
Threatened much?
Adam is just being Adam. Why that angers/offends/bothers/frightens anyone is a mystery and speaks more about the bothered than Adam.
Twirl on, Adam. Twirl. On!
122
@Ben: Yep. Figure skating is not athletic, after all, nor is it a sport. (/sarcasm off.).
We see a man unwilling to bow to societal expectations by speaking his mind. It’s sad that to many, this is threatening.
The macho man-ness is indeed in full plumage here today.
2
Nope, but plenty of anti-asian bias against the actual winners.
2
Dancing with the Stars: twice.
Then, off to the Ice Capades.
He's done.
10
He will continue to skate and be a role model for athletes.
2
My, my. So many negative comments. I think he's a delight! Amazing looks, amazing physique (those glutes!!), and very funny. I wish him much success.
52
He should cash in when he can. He is marketable in the United States (and maybe in Canada? Nah, they have Patrick Chan, the iconic figure in Canada). But I am afraid he is not marketable outside of the small market. Who cares about Rippon being a gay or guy skaters? Not true figure skating fans, because there are (and were) a bunch of them on the ice. He is not the only gay figure skater. One must excel--such as wining individual medals, not team medals, wining the world championship couple of times, or pushing the envelop a la Nathan Chen--to gain worldwide recognition. Rippon is not. He can be an American icon, but outside of it, he is not in the same league with Yuzuru Hanyu, Javier Fernandez, or Patrick Chen before his declining years.
2
He is already on to his next chapter beyond skating.
12
What a wonderful representative for the United States at the Olympics. So much to admire, unlike the embarrassment that is Pence and Ivanka.
71
would that 1/3 of the celebrity base were half so gripped and smart and tart as he! think of the discursive difference? brava, A.R. brava
12
I simply enjoy Adam Rippon's skating. He is so artistic, skillful, masterful, poetry in motion on so many levels. He is pure joy to watch on ice.
But gosh, I loathe his personality. I find his arrogance (although some may cal it confidence), brashness and boldness obnoxious. I see him loving the spotlight more than his artful skating accomplishments. My brother's gay and absolutely adores him. He is perplexed why I find Mr. Rippon so annoying. I guess it just comes down to differing personalities.
I wish him only the very best in all his future endeavors. Perhaps he will pursue a career in politics. He is most certainly strong in his opinions and can certainly hold his own in pretty much any conversation. Frankly, I think he would make an effective politician. Good luck to you Mr. Rippon.
11
That’s funny...I just posted roughly the same thoughts: great guy, too much ego. I think it might be a generational thing. Humility is not valued in the current “selfie” culture. It’s become acceptable to announce to the world, “I rock.” I find that kind of bragging really annoying, and jarring. But even more than that, it starts to bore me very quickly. Rippon could easily become “that annoying B-list guy” if he isn’t careful.
10
"Frankly, I think he would make an effective politician."
For godssake, let's put a full stop on endorsing celebrities for politicians.
It's one of the reasons we have a clown in the White House.
8
He's the next Taylor Swift...
All his attention was directed at the VPOTUS but how come no one speaks out against the treatment of LGBT people in South Korea. Seems like that would have more of an impact than behaving like a typical 20 something self absorbed gay man
16
I saw Adam on the Late Show last night. It was real and delightful. I just developed my first skater crush. Enjoy the limelight and whatever you do next.
19
Loved his skating, love his attitude. Bravo when he says "The world is watching. It’s your chance to speak up for those people who really don’t feel like they have a voice. I was asked a question and I just answered it really honestly and you know, I’m a 28-year-old taxpaying voting man. As a fully grown adult, it’s important for me to voice my concerns."
72
I wish the best of luck to Mr. Rippon, but the record of figure skaters attempting to make a post-Olympics landing into popular culture is not good, and most of them were gold medal winners. I would suggest that he get into the physical training and sports nutrition field, where he can do some real good. I have followed some of his workout tips and training videos (with Ashley Wagner) and have found them helpful and motivational.
7
Well, random guy from Missouri, I'm sure you've thought a lot more about possible career paths for Mr. Rippon than he has. I have no doubt he'll want to follow up with you at 6-month intervals until retirement so please, look after yourself.
What a great guy. We are all so proud of him and wish him the best for the future. And thank you for putting Pence in his place. You are correct.
32
He talked, yet he didn't deliver. It takes more than being gay and outspoken to deserve our attention and admiration.
26
An Olympic medal isn't deserving of our attention and admiration?
33
Did you WATCH the Olympic figure skating events? He delivered, in spades, performing three perfect programs and helping the US win the team Bronze, one of only two medals we took home in skating. The other was the Ice Dance Bronze won by the Shibutanis. Get your facts right.
54
@David — Actually, given the current state of U.S. figure skating, he did very, very well. The problem is, Rippon is an artistic and nuanced skater. That is not the trend in the sport on the world stage these days, where the emphasis is on power and jumps with multiple rotations — athleticism over art. Compare him to Nathan Chen and the Russians to catch my meaning.
7
I have so much respect for his ability to truly be himself in a public forum.
He’s well grounded, funny, and unapologetic about what he believes in. He’s a positive role model not just for young LGBT individuals (such as myself) but really any young adult growing up in a world that is increasingly focused on who can fit in the best with what’s hip and trendy in the moment. If you learn only one thing from this fabulous young man, let it be that sitting down, shutting up, trying to blend in, and not rocking the boat are not what really matters.
22
I don't care much about figure skating, but Mr. Rippon seems like an exceedingly cool guy.
36
Make sure all people are treated the same. None better, none worse. Gay men don’t want special treatment.
2
Rule One: Don't take the media bait and say something stupid. He didn't.
I understand his very closely crafted, guarded commentary, well-chosen words, all press release appropriate, but do you blame him? Shawn White was roasted at his post-Gold Medal press conference; Ryan Seacrest somehow dodged the bullet, for now; thus, Mr. Rippon knows that one slip, one rattling skeleton, could ruin his future.
5
September: Did we read the same interview?
Rippon came across as exceedingly unguarded. Thoroughly open. In many instances he seemed to be talking in a healthy stream of consciousness, as opposed to "closely crafted, guarded commentary...all press release appropriate...".
11
Skating fans have been watching Adam forever. He's gay? Big news! I'm happy to have any American skater be famous.
7
Keep up the great work Adam! You are a great representative for our country!
20
The comment section for this article is toxic. He's very self aware and he's having fun. Can we not let people enjoy things?
Let people enjoy things!
54
The kid is what we used to call "clean cut." A nice and refreshing change from the tattooed freaks that walk the streets.
11
How I wish Israel had had in 1990 at least one person like you when I was your age. Being gay outside of Tel Aviv is still horrible. You are the new Harvey Milk, and your skates are his camera shop. Never shut up; never stop speaking out; never stop speaking for ME. I trust you implicitly to do so. Run for office someday, please.
39
I got a kick out of Adam Rippon during the Olympics.
I didn't get such a kick out of reading this "grilling" of him. By their questions you shall know them... and mourn for the Paper of Record's sad descent into tabloid journalism. If there is one thing that Donald Trump has accomplished as reality show president, it's been to bring the level of discourse, if not down to his level, then at least very close.
One of the grilling questions is how Rippon's celebrity status has affected how "brands and sponsors approach you." One of the reporters actually said "I feel like, just from someone who wasn't in Korea, the narrative blah blah blah." Is this real, or is this an "Onion" parody about how many shallow buzzwords can be forced into one annoying media question?
And, like, would celebrity life even be worth living without agonizing over "pushback on social media?" To engage with trolls or not to engage -- that is the grilling question on the minds of Americans, the majority of whom don't even have $200 in savings to pay for an emergency car repair.
And oh, just because we question you over and over and over again about your "body image" doesn't mean that "people" are saying you're fat. But again, how about those advertisements and endorsements? And for even more clicks, we'll ask if the Olympic village was "really like a hotbed... of sexual Tinder, Grindr, everything." Because inquiring minds want to know.
Soggy grilled cheese replaces depth journalism. Sad.
30
My gawd this guy is annoying and full of himself. I mean, good on him for getting on the stand but where is the humility? Gag. Maybe when he grows up a little more I'll find him interesting.
32
He needs a speaking and PR coach. He might be 28, but he talks like a teenager.
37
He talks like he does BECAUSE he's 28.
2
His story roughly translates to "I'm very stereotypically gay and I'm going to make sure you know it".
Thanks Adam - enjoy your 15 min and please go away.
55
He was sought after for the interview and responded.
When you do something outstanding like win an Olympic bronze and are sought out by the media for grilling, you can have your 15 min too.
Now please go away.
8
As opposed to “I’m stereotypically straight so listen to me.” Ugh.
4
"I really wanted to push the narrative that you can just be yourself, and there will be people who don’t like you — but they’re stupid." I will be sharing this quote daily with my increasingly self-conscious pre-teen son. Keep slaying, Adam Rippon! We love you!
32
This man is a bit of a contradiction for me. I want to shrug and say "narcissistic flash-in-the-pan" but then an interview like this comes up. I want to not like him as a self-promoting over-the-top cliche, but then an interview like this comes up.
Mr. Rippon seems well grounded, something that is in short supply these days. He has no illusions about his skills, understands that there are better kids coming up in his sport and doesn't begrudge them or feel the need to hang in there to prove anything. He seems to relish stepping back and helping them.
He enjoys skating, decided to have fun and "be himself" on the ice instead of treating it like a do-or-die competition. Contrast that with Nathan Chen's pouty response after turning in a several less than expected performances.
And then there's this: "...Before you respond to a negative tweet or somebody who’s just trying to be hateful, respond to five positive messages first....". Given some of the responses here, Mr. Rippon speaks from experience.
How many suicides have there been because a kid felt bullied and couldn't take it. How many would be still be alive if this message was reinforced unendingly? My parents instilled in me - a chubby, non-athletic science loving girl - that mean kids were the ones with the problem, not me. They taught me to walk away from insults and be secure in who I was.
It is refreshing to hear someone using their fame to push that message into headlines.
85
He will fade away, probably pretty quickly, like all "famous people ". What a waste of journalistic space.
20
Of all the things the Times might cover in its limited space, of all the vital issues ad needs in this richest country in the world where people still die for lack of affordable health care, what is served by this exuberant focus on this basiclightweight? "“Brandi Glanville throws wine in Eileen Davidson’s face.” I guess that's important if you know and care who these people are.
2
Adam Rippon. don, jr.
One is a total winner, the other a total loser.
9
He got his "fame" by being rude to a sitting vice president whom the
left dislikes. He will fade away when he has no straw men to attack..
21
Did you read the article? He stated why he did so.
"The world is watching. It’s your chance to speak up for those people who really don’t feel like they have a voice. I was asked a question and I just answered it really honestly and you know, I’m a 28-year-old taxpaying voting man. As a fully grown adult, it’s important for me to voice my concerns."
Good for him!
14
No, you mistake him for Trump, you know, who is rude to everybody.
8
Actually I think he got it by being a good skater. But there's nothing wrong with being rude to Pence, that arrogant, fundamentalist anachronism is undoubtedly the worst vice president we've ever seen in America by far.
31
Let's get this guy in front of a crowd!
7
Umm, didn't the NYT make him famous?
25
He sure isn't famous for winning medals.
3
No, winning a Bronze did.
2
International Women's day 2018 and NYT has a dude front and center on their front page. Sigh.
18
Dear Steve,
Actually the top article around now is all the major women's obituaries they missed writing. But heck, he's gay, so at least it's not a standard article about a straight white man.
4
And a bonus is we've gotten a slight reprieve from Trump's antics.
4
What a breath of fresh air he is. As someone unknowingly growing up as a gay kid in the 1940's, what a difference it would have made to have any sort of honestly "out" gay role model. And... oh yeah.... aside from all that.... his skating and athleticism is at the top.
40
This gentleman is hilarious. I want to see him succeed as a personality and role model for gay men, and truthfully, for all people. He cracks wise and he is lightening fast with his repartee.
His appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show was stunningly funny. He is comfortable in his own skin and he is absolutely deserving of the limelight.
65
He's famous for getting a bronze for skating and NYT gold for self-promotion.
Soon, he'll be famous for just being famous. Like those notables Paris Hilton, remember her?, the Kardashians, etc., even the Trumps until they became infamous.
So, tell me, why do we care?
34
Yes--because the Kardashians and Paris Hilton have done anything remotely approaching his twenty-plus years of training, competing and winning in a brutally rigorous sport, art, and uh....what are their talents and accomplishments again? Remind me, and then go try a triple axel.
17
Well he's really funny for one thing.
That seems to be in short supply these days.
The intro read, "We grilled him about where he’s going."
The Times "grilled" him? Why in the world did he deseve to be "grilled"? Grilling someone implies aggressiveness and hostility. It implies that the person being "grilled" has done something wrong, or has something to hide.
Why would The Times use that expression towards this young man, who's done nothing but skate at the highest level of competition, and stand up for other Gay athletes? Does The Times believe that his principled stand for Gay athletes represents something negative that makes him a target of "grilling"?
The Times has some questions to answer. Mr. Rippon doesn't deserve "grilling" from anyone.
12
Sean: Its light-hearted semantics. Nothing more. Clearly, the Times respects and appreciates Adam Rippon, Olympic athletes, gay people.
4
This is the new America: rewards for losing.
20
Bronze is losing?
4
Um, yes, coming in third IS losing. Only in the post-millennial world is getting the bronze winning. But, hey, it's an honor to be nominated.
10
A bronze isn't exactly a participation medal, geez... he WON a bronze medal!
11
I enjoyed watching and listening to Mr. Rippon during the Olympics. With that said, I feel like he has had his 15 minutes of fame.
13
I’d like to see him enter politics. Very appealing and poised. Good values.
Total non sequitor— comes from my state.
5
He's going to sell himself for bucks, no matter how degrading, the American way.
10
Thanks for this great interview. Love seeing Adam's charm, charisma, and originality in the national spotlight. America's Sweetheart indeed!
9
You can hang out and party with Adam Rippon or Mike Pence. The choice is pretty clear.
12
Actually I don't think anyone can hang out and party with Mike Pence. His wife won't allow it.
13
A choice like that might put a person off partying for good.
10
I am gay and would pass on a phone call from either:) Adam is not a role model for me in any way nor does he speak for me. Neither does Mike Pence.
10
Who is he again? O yea a figure skater. Who cares. My kids role models are their grandparents, teachers and aunts and uncles. He reminds me of Baker Mayfield the big mouthed Oklahoma quarterback. As my mom use to say, when you are the top of your field and a great person you don't have to tell anyone. Everyone knows.
14
I didn't really know anything about Mr. Rippon but from just looking at his photograph I thought, what a gorgeous model! He definitely has that career choice or option available to him.
8
I commend him for not dodging that political question. Pence is a narrow-minded bigot who claims to be a Christian when most of us are fully aware that Christianity is supposedly about embracing people, loving people, not demonizing them. I am a gay man, married to a man, but I spent most of those three decades with my husband unmarried simply because our relationship wasn't considered, in this country, to be worthy of marriage. We have come a long way. And Adam Rippon just helped push us a little further on what had once been very slippery ice! (Just had to get that metaphor in.)
31
Please don't single out the US as uniquely hostile to same-sex marriage. In the history of our species, the concept is very new. We may not have been the very first out of the box, but we are definitely in the vanguard. Let's recognize and celebrate that, and when necessary defend it.
6
US has hardly been in the vanguard of same sex marriage equality. Many countries before US had this.
1
What a personality! Good luck in all you do.
5
He judged Pence for past mistakes about gay people but did not judge himself for pretending to be straight while dating and disappointing a girl. I thought it was a big mistake for him not to talk with Pence. It was an opportunity wasted just so that he could look holier than thou and come off as smug and correct. Better to work with people even though it is slow and exasperating at times.
18
Pence had and still has a horrible record on gay equality.
Pence CONTINUES his past mistakes by supporting Trump's very anti-gay Dept of Justice and other anti-gay actions. Pence remains the same.
1
Trying to cash out on his 15 minutes of fame. Do something with it other than being another narcissist. next . . .
21
In your face, trolls!! I love this man's honesty, humor, fashion sense, etc. I heard him say on Colbert last night that he'd be open to that conversation with the VP now, but sadly I doubt said VP is interested in getting his hat handed to him....
13
Interesting guy. He also seems smart enough to realize that to be famous, he needs to move beyond skating since we only see that once every 4 years...and most of us think that's too much.
11
And yet, if it is indeed too much, logic would decree that one would not bother to read a newspaper article about it. Hmm.
5
Your point is interesting, and unfortunately you probably don't even know you've made it.
You've correctly identified his goal.
It wasn't difficult as he says so himself in the interview.
Fame.
So odd to want to be famous for fame itself.
Donald Trump anyone?
4
I have nothing against fame, but in these times it seems you can be "famous" for doing practically nothing. We have plenty of reality-based celebrities on TV, You-Tube, Facebook, etc.
If Adam Rippon wants to be famous (hopefully for something worthwhile), then more power to him. I hope he uses his talents for changing people's lives--and not just his own. Btw, that's also my wish for all other "famous" people.
I did have time both to watch and to hear Adam Rippon at the recent Olympics. He's a non pareil! Wonderful skater, but an even more interesting person who bubbles with enthusiasm and energy. I think he'd have a career, perhaps replacing the woeful crew of Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir who were too busy calling attention to themselves and their outre outfits almost to the distraction of the skating and the skaters. In any case I look forward to hearing more from Mr. Rippon. He's authentic, open, and has a lot to say that's worth listening to.
32
Aw come on -- Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski add zip and fun to Olympic coverage. They don't bore with technical details and they don't rip skaters. They give fair criticism but also add praise to their commentaries. Part of the fun or watching the endless skating is seeing and hearing Weir and Lipinski.
21
Heartily agree. I couldn't watch the skating because the unbearably CONSTANT chatter from Lipinskin and Weir made it such an unpleasant experience.
7
I loved the commentary of Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski. I loved
their outfits and creativity. They had the inside scoop on the sport. They are a FAB team.
17
Great, another famous figure skater. Why not to an above-the-fold story about the women's hockey team? Or men's curling? Those are the Olympic-worthy stories.
22
There were LOTS of stories in the NYT about the curlers and hockey during the olympics...I don't begrudge Rippon doing his best with the momentum he's been gathering!
9
Lots of people out there probably realize that curling is not really a sport at all. It's basically shuffleboard on ice, something you'd mess around with on a cruise ship.
4
Adam Rippon did not stand out to me in any way shape or form in his Olympic performance. Other than being a media darling for reasons unknown, and for making comments like "being trashy" that don't really belong on TV, what was he? What is it about him that deserves an article in NYT?
47
Olympic darlings are never just about performance. Gold medals are about performance, for sure, but the Olympics are about much more than just any given athlete's performance and medals. For two weeks, we get to know athletes, put blinders that shield us from the greed and tawdry side of sports, and enjoy learning about personal challenges and successes.
Mr. Rippon is an out and proud gay athlete. Did you miss that part? Or did you tell yourself it wasn't important?
It is important. If it weren't important there would have been dozens of out and proud athletes before him.
It is important because in the last Olympics, athletes competed in Sochi under some of the harshest anti-gay laws that made being out and proud illegal.
And then add to that his gift of engaging people, his intelligence, and is overall joy - well, that attracts people and media.
12
Well he's a shameless self-promoter, boisterously gay, and came in third place. I guess that's something. If he'd gone full Louganis and injured himself massively on live TV, he'd probably get a stand up comedy career out of it.
13
Kelly,
Out and gay - I guess I'm one of the people (along with a lot of gay athletes coming out these days) that hope that it couldn't matter less whether they are gay, only what their attributes are. Your point about Sochi is well taken. There are still ignorant people in the world and in this country that it makes a difference too. But let's take Johnny Weir for example, dressed in his awful - whatever it was. He was intelligent, insightful and cogent. Adam, was just "trashy" - from his own mouth.
3
The Sassmaster. I see a talk show.
21
I'm sorry, but all I could think whilst reading this interview is that that 15 minute clock is ticking.
NYT is required to cover the news, as it were.
Next year, sooner, it'll be Adam Rippon who?
32
He's news. He won an Olympic medal. He's insanely popular.
If his ultimate obscurity is all you could think about, that's sad.
13
Adam is bold, bodacious and could compete with Beyonce in the bootylicious department.
Wishing him all the best in all his endeavors.
44
I just love this guy—his positivity, sense of humor and the fact that he is comfortable with, and likes who he is. What a great roll model.
80
We are oversupplied with celebrities. Maybe he can contribute more to America by getting a regular job or going to school and learning something useful.
27
@JB: Or maybe he can use that celebrity to do more than just enrich his wallet, maybe by being an articulate advocate for issues he believes in. Or maybe he can coach figure skating at a junior level and inspire and encourage kids to follow their goals, as he did his.
Both are ways to “contribute” and be “useful,” per your definitions of the words, as well as to widen the narrow meaning of “celebrity”.
6
A person who brings beauty in any form - whether in be in art, athletics or academics, is making a contribution to this world.
10
It is utterly ephemeral and with no lasting value. It's not like a Goya painting or anything like that.
2
With those abs, what else? Calvin Klein model. The gold standard in advertising what's real.
2
Mr. Rippon:
I am a gay male American. You do not represent me nor do you serve as a icon, in any positive sense. But enjoy your moment of fame, as it shall be fleeting.
30
He didn't say he was representing anyone but himself.
8
Gay male here as well. At 67 I don't believe he speaks for me, but then again, who does? At 28 he appears to be 18, but this seems to be a trend in today's youth, but, I digress.
I was appalled by his appearance at the Oscars. Just his being there was odd, I thought, but that costume?! (I didn't watch the show)
Even now that I've had time to think about it I'm not sure what it is, i.e , was it a real harness under a strange jacket, was it a real harness stitched to a strange garment, but of course regardless of the garments provenance, he was ridiculous.
However, he was stunningly beautiful in the pictures you published of that event. I don't even see any resemblance of this gorgeous creature in any of the pictures of him from the past. Hair and make up--A+
And there you have it. In a nutshell.
His accomplishments at his level of competition are mediocre.
If he weren't so pretty his 15 minutes would have been over by now, if he even would have been granted them.
8
I was going to write you a strongly-worded note criticizing for needlessly attacking members of your own community, but then I took Adam's advice and read five positive comments about Adam, and now I don't think your note is so important. Thanks, Adam!
24
The kid's just having his 15 minutes. No point in begrudging him that. Check back at minute 16.
17
Kid? He's almost 30 years old. And supremely accomplished.
He's been rewarded for years of hard work with an Olympic medal. His future looks stellar -- why the snarky assumption about the duration of his name recognition?
16
Dear Archcastic,
28 is a kid to a lot of us older than that, particularly because that generation seems to be taking a long time to grow up and get responsible. And this kid got a bronze medal; that's not a supreme accomplishment, it's third place, most of the time bronze gets no notice at all. Mr. Rippon might well use his promotional savvy to keep his name in the media, hard to say right now. But can you name any Olympian who got a bronze medal, in any sport, four years ago?
5
What a great role model for kids these days! Mike Pence next to him looks and sounds like a horrible bundle of pathology. Go Adam!
146
Ten bucks says he kisses himself in the mirror everytime he looks into it.
20
If you had his looks and personality you probably would too! Really I don't think he takes himself as seriously as you need to believe.
13
As opposed to Trump, who kisses himself twice every time he looks into a mirror?
9
If I was a tad younger I would kiss him every morning as well.
11
He's famous because of his unflagging self-promotion and the NYT seems to have bought in whole hog. Is any other 10th place Olympic finisher being fawned on with any level even approaching the infatuation and star treatment this paper is heaping on Mr. Rippon (the articles about his eating disorder and his incredible abs come to mind)? I don't get it.
47
And what are you tenth best in the world at? That a pretty amazing accomplishment if you think about it. He has worked tirelessly for most of his life, and he deserves the accolades he's getting.
14
He won an olympic medal. What else did most US Athletes bring home?
9
Jealously is an unfortunate but natural human reaction.
7
What an articulate, charming, courageous, accomplished young man. Such a healthy and admirable sense of self worth. Keep it up, Adam. You are a terrific role model for young people the world over. Bravo.
171
Adam is an excellent example of an interesting and unique individual because he chooses to show his true self.
Compare Adam's persona to the phony politicians who were on display, all artifice, dissembling, and anything but genuine.
This is also why Johnny Weir is an interesting commentator, and was a bright spot in the Olympic broadcasts.
Both men are far beyond technically competent, interesting, and genuine. I predict they will both have successful careers going forward,
114
Adam, you are funny, original, and a dear man. I just love you. Keep on being you, the very genuine man I so admire.
Mary
85
I love Adam Rippon. I love his drive, his tenacity, his work ethic, his stubborn unwillingness to give up on a goal and dream, and his courage of his unapologetic convictions and opinions. They need to be said and we need to hear them, like it or not.
Personally, I would love to see him continue in the public forum as a fierce advocate for the gay community with all the opportunities that would bring.
Regardless, I wish him nothing but the best.
106
Adam, you are a true joy! Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors. Thank you for being such a wonderful role model for young people today. Although, thankfully, times are changing, it is still hard to come out as a young person. But you are a role model for living one's truth with pride.
132
I like his spunk and honesty. Good luck. Do good things for others. Pay it forward.
164