The competition season is jam-packed for U.S. skaters; especially
Jason Brown, who had great success during the 2018-19 season. The Toronto-based skater captured his sixth career Grand Prix medal at Internationaux de France last year, as well as the bronze medal at 2019 U.S. Championships in Detroit.
Post season, Brown commemorated his victories with a yearly tradition – taking two weeks off to travel, spend time with family, and recharge his batteries.
For Brown, taking time off is the most important thing. Rest and recovery is his secret to growth.
"No my skates do not come with me and no I don't miss them," he explained.
This year, Brown and his two siblings, older sister Jordan and younger brother Dylan, chose Slovenia and Italy for their sibling-only adventure. This would be the first time the trio had a trip solely to themselves; no parents allowed. "We were just hoping to come back and still like each other," laughed Brown. "We succeeded."
The previous three years Brown and Jordan have traveled to the Philippines, Croatia and New Zealand, and decided a European destination needed to be next on their list. Brown expressed, "These are two magical places with amazing food and you can see their entire countries in a week."
A memorable outing during their two-week stay was a day spent kayaking through the rivers of Soča Valley in Slovenia. Brown admitted, "I fell out of the kayak more than anyone."
Additionally, Brown took two trips to Beijing for training camps where he got a glimpse into what the Olympic Winter Games 2022 will look like. He notes, "It is a very special and stunning city, and the Olympic spirit is very present."
Brown also ventured to The Great Wall with Chinese pairs team Cheng Peng and Yang Jin, which was a promise they made during his first trip. "They had never been and I couldn't fathom why after having lived so close their entire lives," said Brown. "I tapped myself on the back when I made it happen. It was an experience I will never forget."
In addition to his travels, Brown has taken an online sociology class through the University of Colorado Colorado Springs this summer, which he notes, "It's nice having something outside the sport to focus on."
The countdown to the start of the 2019-20 season is near and Brown is excited to be back at Skate America in Las Vegas and NHK Trophy in Japan. He's eager to showcase the growth of his new programs, while still having the opportunity to travel.
Brown says, "All thanks to skating, I get to see the world. After I am done competing I always try to take an extra day to soak in the culture. It gives me perspective." Plus, he racks up the extra miles to use at the end of the season to celebrate the year.
Relaxed, recovered and recharged, Brown is back at the rink and ready for the season to kick-off.
