Todd Eldredge is a figure skating legend – 1996 world champion, six-time U.S. champion and three-time Olympian. Now coaching at Great Park Ice, he’s passing on decades of elite experience to the next generation of skaters.
What brought you to Great Park Ice?
We were living in Dallas when I heard the Ducks were opening this beautiful new facility. I flew out, met with their VP, and it just felt right. We even discovered he used to manage a rink I skated at in Michigan years ago. My wife is from California, so it felt like coming home.
How did you evolve from competitor to coach?
After three Olympics and 10 years touring with Stars on Ice, I discovered coaching gives me something competition never could: watching a kid’s face light up when they land their first jump or master something they’ve struggled with. That moment of pure joy never gets old.
What makes skating special for young people?
There’s nothing like the feeling of gliding across ice – that mix of freedom, power and grace. It’s otherworldly. But beyond that, skating mirrors life. You fall, you get back up, you set goals, you push through setbacks. Kids learn resilience, discipline and confidence that carry into everything they do.
Do all your students aim for the Olympics?
Not at all, and that’s beautiful. I have one student touring with Disney on Ice in Japan. She’s living her dream, just differently. Some kids want to compete, others love performing in shows or theater-on-ice. There are so many paths in this sport.
What would you tell parents considering skating for their children?
Just try it. You never know when something will click. Whether they become Olympic champions or simply gain balance, self-belief and the courage to perform under pressure, skating teaches life lessons that last forever. The magic happens the moment they step on the ice and feel that freedom for themselves.
Great Park Ice is open for lessons and public skating sessions. Register at greatparkice.com.
