Greg Zuerlein (figure skater)
An American ice dancer whose precise partnership with Madison Chock catapulted them to a World Junior title and set the stage for her future Olympic success.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American ice dancer·Birthday: October 26·Millennials
Biography
Greg Zuerlein's story in figure skating is intrinsically linked to his partnership with Madison Chock. Together, they formed a junior ice dance team that quickly ascended to the top of the global ranks. Their success was built on a foundation of technical sharpness and a polished, classical style that judges rewarded. They peaked at the perfect moment, capturing the World Junior Championship title in 2009, a victory that announced them as serious talents. While their senior career together showed promise, including a U.S. national bronze medal, they never quite replicated that junior-world dominance on the absolute senior stage. Their partnership ended in 2011, but Zuerlein's role was crucial; he was the steady, reliable foundation that helped launch Chock, who would later find monumental success with a new partner, Evan Bates.
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.
Greg was born in 1988, 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 Greg Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Greg's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
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
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the World Junior Figure Skating Championships in 2009 with partner Madison Chock.
- Captured the gold medal at the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final in 2008.
- Earned the bronze medal at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships at the senior level in 2011.
- Were two-time U.S. national junior champions (2008, 2009).
Did You Know?
He is a trained pianist and often incorporated his musicality into his skating programs.
Zuerlein retired from competitive skating to pursue a career in medicine.
He and Chock were coached by Igor Shpilband, a famed ice dance coach.
His sister, Ginna Hoptman, was also a competitive ice dancer.
“The connection with your partner is everything; it's a silent conversation.”
