Gracie Gold will begin a career as a figure skating coach in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Ice Den Scottsdale announced on Friday. The rink is also home to the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL.
The 2014 team event bronze medalist joins Olympians Steven Cousins and Naomi Lang on the coaching staff.
"The knowledge and experience she will share with young skaters looking to follow the same dreams is priceless," the Ice Den said in a press release.
In August 2017, Gold mentioned in an interview with NBCOlympics.com that she was interested in going into coaching in the future:
“I would seriously consider going into coaching after I retire, whether it’s this season, or after another quad or whenever I feel like I’m good,” Gold said. “I would really consider going into coaching. I love coaching, I love teaching, and I love working with kids.
“I would love to do high level, but I know everyone wants to teach really high-level skaters. Everyone loves that. However I like it when the kids – it doesn’t matter how good they are – I just like it when they are focused and good students. Talent isn’t something I’m interested in. [Kids are coachable] when they are really good listeners, they listen to what you’re saying, [and] they are actively trying to apply it.”
Dreams of Olympic gold became brighter earlier this month for 40 young figure skaters from the Kansas City area during the two-day Road to Gold Training Camp at the Line Creek Ice Arena in Kansas City, Mo.
Led by Olympic medalist Gracie Gold and former U.S. pairs champion John Coughlin, the clinic offered several workshops that allowed participants to learn championship-level practice drills and techniques.
For many of the skaters, Gold has been an inspiration as they devote years to chasing their own dreams, so the opportunity to work with her was a dream come true.
“Gracie has been my idol since I started skating,” said Mariah Hirst, 13, of Smithville. “I have been skating for five years and I came here to meet, skate, and learn with Gracie.”
Gold — who grew up in Springfield, Mo., where she began her figure-skating training — recognizes the inspiring role she plays for many up-and-coming skaters, especially those from the Midwest.
“I started skating in a small rink in Springfield,” Gold said. “When I started, I wasn’t the most talented skater. There was nothing really remarkable about me, but I worked really hard and made my dream come true. I learned that anything is possible.”
Gold is passionate about teaching and coaching. While she inspires her students, she also makes sure they understand the realities of being a fully committed skating competitor.
“I understand the training woes,” Gold said. “It changes the structure of your life at a young age. You practice long hours and long days in a cold rink doing the same thing over and over until you get it right. It can be tiring. There are negatives and positives to all sports.”
The 2018 Winter Olympics have kicked off in South Korea, but instead of preparing for competition, figure skater Gracie Gold is focusing on her mental health at home with the help of a furry new friend.
The 22-year-old two-time U.S. women's figure skating champion and 2014 Olympic team bronze medalist took to Instagram on Thursday to share a photo of herself in bed with a tiny black puppy, writing: 'Meet Winifred.'
Gracie withdrew from the 2018 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in November amid her battle with depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder, ending any chance of her competing in this year's Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.