- History Maker. Alexa Gasparotto recently made history as the first Black woman ever to land a triple axel in competition. If that wasn’t impressive enough, she’s only 19!!
- Alexa doesn’t just skate, she performs! Her short program to ‘Please Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood’ is full of energy and character, while her ‘Dreamgirls’-inspired free skate is all about making people say, “Who is this girl?! Why haven’t we heard of her?!” (Spoiler: They definitely have now.)
- Inspired by Greatness. Growing up, Alexa didn’t see many Black skaters, but she did see Surya Bonaly, and it changed everything. Bonaly’s power and presence on the ice resonated with her, and now, Alexa is bringing that same energy for the next generation to look up to.
- Alexa has been skating since she was just four-years-old, training at top facilities in Michigan before moving to Chicago to work with coach/choreographer Rohene Ward. She’s now an ambassador for Diversify Ice, helping to open doors for more young skaters of color in the sport.
- Representation Matters. Alexa knows the power of visibility and isn’t afraid to take up space. “Being the only Black skater at my rink, I could hide in the corner… but I want everybody to see me,” she says. And trust us, everyone is watching!