Timothy Leduc on Olympic Ice Skating, Cruise Ship Adventures, and Breaking Records

“I thought it was a blast, but I can totally see how that’s not for everyone,” the skater said on cruise ship performing.

On the ice, it may be impossible to tell Timothy Leduc took an unconventional path to get where they are now, but this year when the skater made their debut at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, they made history as the first-ever openly non-binary Winter Olympian.

However, that wasn’t the only thing that set Leduc apart from other Olympic ice skaters. They had spent time traveling the world and sharpening their skate skills on a cruise ship rink before jumping back into the competition scene.

“I’ve always taken a very unusual path for my skating career,” Leduc said, adding, “I’ve always had to forge my own path. I hope people watching [my partner] Ashley [Cain-Gribble] and I skate will feel inspired to maybe write their own story in the way that fits them and to go against the grain in order to get what they want in life.”

Remarkably, Leduc didn’t even start ice skating until they were 13 years old, moving into pairs skating at nearly 20. After not making the Olympics in 2014, they took a break and secured a job with Royal Caribbean for two years. However, the allure of competition eventually drew them back in.

“As soon as I came back from cruise ships, I said, ‘You know what, I love skating and shows and performing for an audience, and now I want to skate in the biggest shows in the world,’ which are the national championships, world championships, and the Olympics,” Leduc shared. “I always thought of myself as a show skater rather than solely a competitive skater. I’m just trying to compete in different shows now.”

Ice Skating Journey

iBestTravel recently caught up with Leduc to discuss their time on cruise ships and their return to the Olympics.

How did you get started with performing on cruise ships?

“After not making the Olympic team in 2014, I was really unsure about where my place in skating was. I was mentally exhausted and financially strained. Ice skating is an extremely expensive sport, and I had no way to pay for my training anymore. I knew I needed a break to reassess my direction while still wanting to skate, yet it wasn’t my time to continue competing. So, I talked to friends who had done the ship shows, and thought, ‘Alright, I want to try this out.’ This looks like a great way to save some money while figuring out my next steps.”

What was it like skating on a moving ship?

“Imagine skating on slippery ice while trying to balance on blades attached to your feet, all while dealing with the movement of a rocking cruise ship. I thought it was a blast, but I can understand why it might not appeal to everyone. The ship was mostly steady, but there were days when the waves caused some pitches of 3 to 4 degrees. On those occasions, they would cancel shows for safety. However, I found it fun when going up for a jump and the ship was swaying, leading to unexpected landings!”

What did you do when you were not performing?

“We engaged in several small jobs like muster station drills and helped during public skate times when guests could join. Other than that, we had the opportunity to experience everything the guests enjoyed: disembarking in ports and participating in local activities. I found that to be quite enjoyable.”

Where were some of your favorite ports to visit?

“Traveling allowed me to see many places I wouldn’t have otherwise experienced. Iceland was definitely a highlight. Norway and Bermuda were also incredible, along with a visit to Honduras. Overall, parts of the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands, and Mexico were just fantastic!”

Transition to Competition

What was it like transitioning back into competition skating after cruise ships?

“Returning to the rigorous mindset of daily training to improve my skating was quite challenging. The transition was not easy, but I gradually found my rhythm again.”

Were the Olympics on your mind even then?

“Absolutely. The Olympics were always a goal for me. I initially fell in love with skating because of its blend of artistry and athleticism. I always envisioned myself competing in the Olympics as part of that high-level competition.”

History-Making Olympics

When you made it to the Winter Games, you made history as the first openly non-binary Winter Olympian. What does that mean to you?

“It has been a long journey for me in understanding my gender and being open about not fitting perfectly into the gender binary. Being the first openly non-binary Winter Olympian is tremendous, but I recognize that I stand on the shoulders of countless amazing queer athletes who paved the way for me. Now, I aim to create better experiences in sports for queer individuals than I had.”

Are you looking toward another Olympics?

“That’s a significant question. I would be 35 going on 36 for the next games, which is not unheard of, yet it is on the older side. I must contemplate if that is a pursuit I want to continue and forge my own path to make it happen. However, Ashley and I haven’t ruled out any options.”

Travel Tips

You travel a lot for work. Is there anything you bring with you to stay healthy on the road?

“Prior to competitions, I will pack essential macronutrients I need for both competition days and practice, which includes a protein source, protein powder, or non-refrigerated milk. I also carry comfort snacks like crackers or pretzels. Maintaining my mood is crucial, especially after a missed flight; comfort food helps me feel better and keeps frustrations at bay.”

What is your top travel tip?

“I have been fortunate to travel extensively through skating and on my own. I believe my best travel tip is to be adaptable. You can plan diligently, but some variables are simply beyond your control. Being flexible and open to diverse experiences is the best approach when traveling.”

This interview was edited for clarity and length.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for iBestTravel. When not in New York City, she enjoys spending her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country globally. Follow her adventures on Instagram.