Family ties


The Browns do it their way Coach Kori Ade describes Jason Brown’s


family as “the most amazing skating family any- one could ask for.” During Brown’s skating career, they remained steadfast in their conviction that their son remain at home and attend public school. In other words, live a normal life and whatever happens, happens. Teir decision worked out for them as Jason


excelled both in the classroom — he was a mem- ber of the high honor roll every semester at High- land Park High School — and on the ice, while growing up under the same roof as his parents, Marla and Steve, and siblings, older sister Jordan and younger brother Dylan. We asked Marla and Steve a few random questions about their gifted son and the family’s skating journey. Can you share any fun stories about Jason that speak to his personality and kind heart? People often ask if Jason is really as sweet and


sincere as he seems and I can honestly answer, “Yes.” Jason has such a positive lens on the world. He sees the good in people, supports the underdog and tries to help whomever he can. Instead of having a party for his bar mitzvah, Jason had all of his guests reno- vate an underprivileged school. On the other hand, Jason was a terror as a little boy. He never sat still, stirred up trouble with his siblings and wore me out. While all the other kids at the playground were play- ing in the sandbox, Jason would be standing on top of the monkey bars. Other mothers would be fran- tically looking for who was responsible for this wild child. I would calmly acknowledge my awareness as they looked on in horror.


— Marla


When you realized that Jason had qualified for the Olympics, what were your feelings? What did you say to him?


Te build-up to this U.S. Championships was extremely intense. We’re


typically nervous and excited prior to any com- petition, but this was unique. Knowing that an Olympic spot was on the line and that Jason was performing a long program that was so physical- ly and mentally demanding — well let’s just say we were anxious. Our personal wish for Jason is always the same — skate with joy and perform to your capability. As Jason took the ice for the free skate, the Olympics were not on our mind. Like the audience we were entranced and as he be- gan the Riverdance step sequence; you could feel his joy. We didn’t exhale until he finished his last jump and then we were on our feet, tears flow- ing. Regardless of the score or placement, Jason had done what he worked so hard to do, and with that, all the nervousness and anxiety was gone. When the scores were announced and he was in first place with two skaters left, and then a few minutes later when he was still in first with only one skater remaining, we turned to each other and said: “I think our son is an Olympian.” A few hours later Jason showed us a text that made it official, and more tears flowed.


— Steve


I roomed with Jason in Boston at the U.S. Championships. Before Jason left the room to skate his long program I wanted to say some spe- cial “mom” words, but I didn’t want to make him nervous. So, I wrote a note that said, “Skate with


The Brown family, from left, Steve, Jordan, Jason, Dylan and Marla, take in the Arizona scenery while on vacation.


the joy in your heart and the passion in your soul,” and slipped the note into his skate so he would see it right before he put on his skates. Now, I’m not taking any credit for that fabulous skate, but he certainly did follow my advice! Unlike any other sporting event, the Olym-


pics carry an overwhelming significance. I watched the Olympics my whole life never thinking I would personally know anyone competing, much less my own son. What made the assignment even more wonderful was Jason’s genuine appreciation. He was so excited and proud of every detail. He was honored to be on the same team with many of his skating idols. He was thrilled to meet ath- letes from around the world. He loved wearing all of the Olympic clothes. I don’t think a smile left his face from the moment he finished his long program at the U.S. Championships until the Olympics were over.


— Marla


Has Jason’s success changed your lives at all? It hasn’t really changed our lives. After the whirlwind of the Olympics died down, we just returned to business as usual. When Jason comes to town, we do get reminded of the impact of the Olympics by how many people recognize and want to say hello to him.


— Marla What did you think when Jason wanted to


move away with Kori to Colorado? Te topic of Jason and Kori


moving to a more compet- itive skating environment was one we had been discuss- ing for years. I actually think the first time it came up Ja- son was 10 or 11. We still laugh that our first reaction after NO was, “It’s not like he’s going to the Olympics.” But each year Jason would go to Lake Arrowhead (Calif.) for a summer program and each year when he returned the topic of moving would again come up. While there was always the understanding that keeping him home and in public school was detrimental to his skating progress, we felt strongly that be- ing together as a family and within a supportive community was integral to his personal growth. When he completed high school a semester early and moved last March, the time was right and it felt very much like when our daughter went off to college.


— Steve 26 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 The Browns enjoy time together at the Olympics in Sochi.


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