Glen Ellyn ice rink celebrates success of U.S. Olympic figure skater with local ties

GLEN ELLYN – As U.S. Olympic figure skater Gracie Gold strives to bring home a medal to match her name, her many local fans from her days at Center Ice of DuPage in Glen Ellyn are watching, every glide and jump of the way.

Gold, 18, trained for five years at Center Ice before moving to Los Angeles in summer 2013 to work with coach Frank Carroll, who has trained Olympic skaters such as Michelle Kwan and 2010 gold medalist Evan Lysacek of Naperville.

Gold previously worked with coach Alexander Ouriashev at Center Ice.

“We support Gracie and her family, and we’re watching every minute of what she’s doing,” Center Ice Manager Sandi Marshinski said.

When she trained at Center Ice and other nearby rinks, Gold rented a house in the Chicago suburbs with her mom, Denise, and twin sister, Carly – also a figure skater.

“They’re such a good family,” said Rita Olono, whose daughters skate at Center Ice.

Olono said having someone like Gold from the rink compete in the Olympics is an inspiration to the other skaters, including her daughters, Cailey, 15, and Kelsie, 13.

“Everyone here is really rooting for her,” Olono said. “We’re like one big family.”

Gold already has won a bronze medal at the winter Olympics as part of the team figure skating event.

The women’s figure skating competition is taking place this week.

Before the Olympics, Gold was the 2014 U.S. women’s figure skating champion. She won the silver at the national competition in 2013.

Gold’s global success has included receiving sixth place at the 2013 figure skating World Championships.

Center Ice Production Manager Erick Marquez said it’s been mind-boggling to see commercials that feature Gold, including one for United Airlines in which she skates down an airplane aisle.

“She’s earned it,” Marquez said. “It’s nice to see hard work pay off.”

He said the Gold family practically lived at the rink while she was training. They often brought their dog, who was a big hit with staff and skaters.

Although Gold no longer trains at Center Ice, its skaters and staff still consider her to be part of the rink family, and her poster hangs in the lobby.

“We’re all very happy for her, and we want this to happen for her,” Marshinski said.