One of the most widely recognized ice dance teams, thanks no less to insane physical beauty accompanied by poise, intelligence and down-to-earth values, Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto have commanded the respect of the skating world for over 10 years.
While their retirement from competitive figure skating may not surprise many who closely follow ice skating, Tanith and Ben’s absence leaves a hole in their sport that will be hard to fill.
Ice Skating Champions
This ice dance team was the first in over 3 decades to bring a medal home from the Olympic Winter Games. Their 2005 medal at the World Championships was the first for their nation in over 20 years.
They didn’t win Olympic or World titles, but four World medals, 5 US titles, and 5 medals at the Four Continents Cup ain’t too shabby.
Known for their appealing lines and emotional musical interpretation, theirs’ has not been merely a charmed career. Maintaining moral values while fighting through struggles has made them champions more than medals ever could.
When Tanith announced that she began deliberately eating more, thereby increasing her athletic stamina and overall health, she became a role model for thousands of young performers who strive for a stereotypical yet unrealistic body type.
Despite a nagging back injury, Ben’s list of hobbies reads like a How To Love Life self help book. When he isn’t skating or playing the guitar, he could be found outdoors hiking, mountain biking, or even scuba diving.
Athletes and Role Models
But practicing one’s profession over 40 hours a week year round can take its toll, especially one as physically grueling as figure skating. So, at the ages of 26 and 28, Belbin and Agosto have decided to move on with their lives.
Fans won’t remember the splendor of this team’s 5 gold medals earned at the US National Championships. They won’t recall the shimmer of countless other medals Tanith and Ben took home from international competitions. Precious metals pale next to the inner and outer beauty of this team.
Belbin and Agosto will truly be missed on the World and Olympic scene, but skating fans get a decent consolation prize when Tanith and Ben devote much of their energy to their careers as professional skaters. It is likely that we'll continue to see them perform with Star on Ice and other ice skating shows.
In that way, according to their public statement announcing retirement, the ice dance pair hopes to give something back to their sport and support network of family, friends, and fans.
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