Evan Lysacek
His powerful, technically precise skating dethroned the reigning champion to claim America's first men's Olympic gold in over two decades.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American figure skater and Olympic gold medalist·Birthday: June 4·Millennials
Biography
Evan Lysacek's career is defined by a relentless pursuit of technical mastery and competitive grit. Emerging from the Chicago suburbs, he was known not for ethereal artistry but for a muscular, disciplined style built on formidable jumping passes and stamina. His rivalry with Russia's Evgeni Plushenko set the stage for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, where Lysacek's decision to omit the risky quadruple jump in favor of a flawless, complex program sparked debate but ultimately secured the gold medal. That victory, the first for an American man since Brian Boitano in 1988, crowned a season where he was nearly unbeatable, having also taken the world title the year before. His career was marked by persistent foot injuries, a reality that made his Olympic triumph a testament to strategic planning and pain management as much as athletic brilliance.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Evan was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Evan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Evan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the gold medal in men's figure skating at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
- Captured the World Championship title in 2009 in Los Angeles.
- Awarded the James E. Sullivan Award in 2010 as the nation's top amateur athlete.
- Inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2016.
Did You Know?
He designed his own Olympic gold medal-winning costume, working with a designer to create the now-famous jeweled corset.
He appeared on the television show 'Dancing with the Stars' in 2010, finishing in second place.
He suffered from a congenital bone condition in his left foot that required multiple surgeries.
He was named the United States Olympic Committee's SportsMan of the Year for 2010.
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