Pride Month is a global solidarity movement for the LGBTQ+ community. U.S. Figure Skating is celebrating equality by amplifying the voices of athletes who identify as part of this community.
As five-time championship masters junior-senior men's champion at the U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships, Daniel Palmeri knows a thing or two about making history. In addition to his five consecutive U.S. adult titles, Palmeri is the first (and so far only) Adult Championships competitor to perform three triple jumps in one program (two triple Salchows and one triple toe loop). He also holds the record for the highest score ever achieved at the U.S. Adult Championships: 74.86 points, which he earned at the 2019 event.
"It's not about the win, but proving to myself what I am capable of," Palmeri said. "I compete against myself a lot and I always want to show different sides of my skating. I do not like to play it safe."
In every aspect, Palmeri is the epitome of what adult skating should be. He fell in love with the sport as a 6-year-old fan of Disney on Ice. He went on to become a successful singles and pairs competitor in his childhood, earning a silver medal at the 2007 U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championships in intermediate pairs.
"I knew when I was nearing high school graduation that I wanted to audition for Disney on Ice," Palmeri said. "What was going to be maybe two or three years on tour quickly became six. I had the great pleasure of touring nationally and internationally."
Following the tour, he enrolled in college and competed at the U.S. Collegiate Figure Skating Championships, medaling in 2013 and 2014. The following year marked his Adult Championships debut.
"Two of my training mates were gearing up for the Adult Championships and suggested I join them to get out on competition ice one last time," he said. "Here I am seven years later! As an adult athlete, I have put out some of the best skates of my career and really have enjoyed every moment."
Through his memorable appearances and interactions at the Adult Championships, Palmeri has gained the respect, admiration and appreciation of many athletes and leaders in the adult skating community.
"Daniel is quite literally the poster child for what a lifetime on ice can look like, and is a living example of the fact that an expiration date of high school or college graduation should never be put on your skating career," said Lori Fussell, National Vice Chair for Adult Skating on the Competitions Committee.
Both on and off the ice, 2021 will be a landmark year for Palmeri. Along with Jeanette Daskas and Jennifer Schneider, Palmeri is serving as local organizing committee (LOC) co-chair for the 2021 U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships. With six in total, Michigan has hosted more Adult Championships than any other state. The 2021 event marks the first time that the event will be held in Rochester, Michigan.
Originally set for April, the 2021 U.S. Adult Championships were
pushed to June as part of a modified qualifying competition structure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After the cancelation of the 2020 U.S. Adult Championships in Newark, Delaware, this event will be the first big competition for many adult athletes over the past two seasons. While the LOC faced a great deal of uncertainty during the planning process, they maintained steadfast optimism and remained focused on hosting the best event possible.
"It has definitely been a rollercoaster of emotions and energy," Palmeri said. "We are thrilled to be the comeback competition for the adult qualifying circuit and feel privileged to still have the opportunity to host!"
Six weeks after he competes on home ice, Palmeri is off to an even bigger event: his wedding to fiancé, Danny Wasmund on August 15 in Mackinac Island, Michigan.
"We kept our wedding pretty small on purpose, but there will be many current and former training mates, coaches and cast members in attendance!" Palmeri said.
Their engagement took place the day after Palmeri's record-setting free skate in Salt Lake City at the 2019 Adult Championships.
"We stayed an extra day to go skiing and when we got to the top of the mountain before our first run, Danny asked me to marry him in front of my coach and a few of our friends that flew town," Palmeri recalled. "He said he was nervous all weekend but was relieved when I skated so well since where was no reason for me to not be in a good mood!"
They have been a couple for seven years.
"We are known as The Dans," Palmeri said. "He does not skate, but can skate! I am actually impressed with his skating skills. We got him his own pair of Jackson skates and has mastered a mean waltz jump and killer spiral."
Palmeri is grateful to skate in a supportive rink environment. In addition to feeling "unwavering support" from his home club, Onyx-Suburban Skating Academy, he noted that "the adult skating community is one of the most loyal, accepting and inclusive around, and I am honored to be a part of that community."
"While I tend to keep my personal life private, I strive to live my most authentic life and hope the athletes I coach and support as a skating director feel like they are training in a safe and inclusive environment, free of judgement. Aside from [being part of] the LGBTQ+ community, I always want to be recognized as a respectful, hard-working role model to our up-and-coming athletes, and to show them that a passion and love for the sport can extend far beyond childhood."
On Pride Month, Palmeri shared, "Personally, it is freeing to live my life being true to myself and those around me. I have always felt love and support from my family, friends and the skating community, which makes it that much easier to be my authentic self. I know not everyone is fortunate enough to have the same support system, so I aim to always be an active ally within the LGBTQ+ community."
