Ashley Cain-Gribble and her skating partner Timothy LeDuc are two dynamic athletes with ties to NYC through the Skating Club of New York. They’ll be representing team USA at the Beijing Winter Olympics this month.

“I just always knew that I would be part of the Olympics,” LeDuc said. I” knew that if I continued to work hard and to follow my dream and vision for what I can be as an athlete, I would go to the Olympics.”

The pair joined forces six years ago and used to be competitors. Since then, they’ve shared major successes, including winning gold at two U.S. National Championships.

What You Need To Know

  • Ashley Cain-Gribble and her skating partner Timothy LeDuc are two dynamic athletes with ties to NYC through the skating Club of New York

  • The pair joined forces six years ago and used to be competitors. Since then, they’ve shared major successes, including winning gold at two U.S. National Championships

  • The duo is making their performance on ice unique. LeDuc will be the first openly gay, nonbinary Winter Olympian
  • The team credits the Skating Club of New York for its support throughout the years

“We just felt this great connection right from the get go, we always talk about we have this synergy,” Cain-Gribble said. 

Gender roles have historically played a large part in figure skating routines, but the duo is making their performance on ice unique. LeDuc will be the first openly gay, nonbinary Winter Olympian. 

“It’s been very difficult navigating a very gendered sport like figure skating and there are so many times where I feel I have to adjust myself or change myself in order to be taken seriously or find my success,” LeDuc revealed. “My hope is that by being open and having this visibility that more people will feel that they have a space in figure skating,” the skater added. 

The team credits the Skating Club of New York for its support throughout the years. The club has sent many athletes to the Olympic games, including champions Carol Heiss, Dorothy Hamill, and Sarah Hughes. Executive Director Terri Levine said it’s members know they’re in good company.

“They come here because of the officials, because of the kinds of support we give skaters and that really helps them develop as skaters,” Levine said. 

Ashley and Tim are prepared to continue that legacy.

“We have had to push through so many barriers and obstacles in order to chase this Olympic dream. I’m hopeful that people are inspired to keep pushing and persevering their goals,” LeDuc said.

“I said to Timothy, ‘Isn’t it crazy that we got everything we wanted because we just went out and skated,” Cain-Gribble added.  “We just did the one thing that we do everyday and now we have everything we wanted.”