Todd Eldredge is one of the most highly-decorated American men’s skaters of the past 40 years. His six U.S. titles, six World Championship medals and numerous other international achievements are testament to his skill, consistency and work ethic.

At his final competition as an eligible competitor, the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Eldredge was one of eight U.S. athletes selected to carry the American flag recovered from the World Trade Center rubble into the Opening Ceremonies. He refers to the experience as “an unbelievable honor.”

It was a fitting conclusion for someone twice named Athlete of the Month by the United States Olympic Committee. His competitive career spanned more than a decade, during which time he overcame a serious back injury. Eldredge, who began skating at the age of 5, won his first U.S. title in 1990 at age 18. He defended the title in 1991 and made his first appearance on the World podium that year. For the next three seasons he struggled with injury. His return to the top step of the U.S. podium in 1995 marked the first time a skater reclaimed the title after a three-year absence from the podium.

After being one of the dominant forces in the world from 1995-98, Eldredge decided to take a break from competition for two years. At his first World Championships after the break, he won the bronze medal in 2001 in Vancouver.

“One of the things that kept me going was always wanting to do better and have the performances that I knew I was capable of doing,” said Eldredge. “I enjoyed competition. I enjoyed being out there and feeling that fire in your belly.”

Although intensely competitive, Eldredge learned to also find reward in the reaction of the audience. “If I skated my best and the audience loved it, in the end that’s really all that mattered,” he said.

Following the 2002 Winter Olympics, Eldredge joined the renowned Stars on Ice tour where he sustained a high technical standard while also embracing the artistic challenges. He thrives on the complex choreography created by Christopher Dean.

“You realize you’re capable of doing a lot more than you thought,” said Eldredge. In addition to the group numbers that are the hallmark of Stars on Ice each year he also works to come up with new and original solos.

Over the past year, Eldredge has also tried his hand at coaching. He is currently working with Richard Callaghan, helping him coach World and U.S. Champion Kimmie Meissner with her jumps, spins and mental preparation.

Born on Cape Cod, the son of a commercial fisherman and a nurse, Eldredge has never forgotten his roots. As a young skater, his hometown of Chatham came to his aid when his parents could no longer afford the mounting costs of elite figure skating. In return, Eldredge has given substantial financial support to the Chatham Recreation Fund, which helps develop young athletes. He has also done work with the Special Olympics and the Jimmy V Foundation.

Prior to embarking on his seventh full season with Smucker’s Stars on Ice, Eldredge will participate in several shows, including Smucker’s Present’s Hot Ice, Cool Sounds, Skating & Gymnastics Spectacular and Holiday Celebration on Ice. He said he plans to keep performing, “as long as the audience still enjoys me being out there.”

FAVORITE OLYMPIC MOMENT: My favorite Olympic moment was marching into the Opening Ceremonies in Salt Lake City with all of my fellow U.S. Athletes and hearing the crowd support for all of us.

STARS ON ICE OUTLOOK: I am really excited about the Tour this year with the addition of some new cast members, the anticipation of the first day of rehearsals when we learn what the show is all about. I think it will also be a great year with all the excitement of the Winter Olympics immediately preceding the beginning of the Tour and the potential for some of the medalists to join us on Tour.

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