Gracie Gold

Gracie Gold: A Journey of Grace, Grit, and Glory

Early Life and Background

Grace Elizabeth Gold, known professionally as Gracie Gold, was born on August 17, 1995, in Newton, Massachusetts. At the age of four, her family relocated to Springfield, Illinois. Gracie has a fraternal twin sister, Carly Gold, who also pursued figure skating competitively. Their parents, Denise, a nurse, and Carl Gold, an anesthesiologist, supported their daughters' athletic endeavors from a young age.

Introduction to Figure Skating

Gracie's passion for figure skating ignited at the age of eight after attending a friend's birthday party at a local ice rink in Springfield. Captivated by the sport, she began formal training shortly thereafter. Her natural talent quickly became evident, leading her to land complex jumps like the double axel early in her training. Throughout her developmental years, Gracie trained under several coaches, including Amy Vorhaben, Max Liu, Alexia Griffin, Susan Liss, Toni Hickey, and Alex Ouriashev, each contributing to her growth as a skater.

Competitive Achievements

Gracie's ascent in the figure skating world was marked by significant milestones:

• 2012: Secured the U.S. Junior National Championship title and earned a silver medal at the World Junior Championships in Minsk, Belarus.

• 2013: Made her senior international debut, winning a silver medal at the Rostelecom Cup and placing sixth at the World Championships.

• 2014: Captured her first U.S. National Championship and contributed to Team USA's bronze medal in the team event at the Sochi Winter Olympics. Individually, she achieved a commendable fourth-place finish.

• 2015: Became the first and only American woman to win the NHK Trophy, a prestigious Grand Prix event.

• 2016: Reclaimed the U.S. National Championship title, solidifying her status as one of America's premier figure skaters.

Personal Struggles and Resilience

Despite her on-ice success, Gracie faced significant personal challenges. In 2017, she took a hiatus from competitive skating to address mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder. She sought treatment at a facility in Arizona, with support from U.S. Figure Skating. Gracie candidly shared her experiences in her memoir, Outofshapeworthlessloser, discussing her journey through mental health struggles and her path to recovery. 

Return to the Ice and Advocacy

Gracie made a heartfelt return to competition at the 2020 U.S. Championships, where her performance earned standing ovations and widespread admiration for her resilience. Beyond competing, she has become an advocate for mental health awareness, using her platform to destigmatize mental health issues in athletics. Gracie also contributes to the sport by coaching and participating in figure skating camps, such as the "Road to Gold" series, where she mentors aspiring skaters. 

Current Endeavors and Legacy

As of 2025, Gracie continues to inspire both on and off the ice. Residing in Claymont, Delaware, she trains at the Ice Works Skating Club in Aston, Pennsylvania. Her hobbies include baking, reading, and playing tennis. Gracie's legacy is defined not only by her athletic achievements but also by her courage in facing personal challenges and her commitment to supporting others in the figure skating community.