Jane Summersett
An American ice dancer who, after a late start with a new partner, swiftly climbed the ranks to compete on the world stage with elegant, sophisticated programs.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American ice dancer·Birthday: December 24·Millennials
Biography
Jane Summersett's rise in the tightly knit world of ice dancing was a study in rapid synergy. A talented skater from Michigan, her competitive path found its true direction relatively late when she teamed up with Todd Gilles in 2007. Their partnership clicked with surprising speed. Within a year, they were standing on the podium at the Nebelhorn Trophy, a key international event. Summersett, known for her graceful lines and expressive interpretation, formed one half of a team celebrated for its classic style and precise technical elements. They quickly became mainstays on the U.S. international team, peaking with a seventh-place finish at the Four Continents Championships in 2010. Their career, though not long-lived, demonstrated that chemistry and hard work could compress the usual timeline for success in a discipline where partnerships often take years to mature. After retiring, Summersett transitioned seamlessly into coaching, passing on the nuances of performance and partnership to the next generation.
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.
Jane was born in 1987, 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 Jane Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jane's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
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
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the bronze medal at the 2008 Nebelhorn Trophy with partner Todd Gilles.
- Finished seventh at the 2010 Four Continents Championships in Jeonju, South Korea.
- Were two-time U.S. national pewter medalists (4th place) in 2009 and 2010.
- Competed in multiple ISU Grand Prix events, including Skate America and the Cup of China.
Did You Know?
She began skating at age six after receiving skates as a Christmas gift.
Summersett majored in communications at the University of Michigan while training competitively.
She and Todd Gilles were coached by the renowned Igor Shpilband for part of their career.
After retiring, she became a successful coach at the Broadmoor Skating Club in Colorado Springs.
“Our connection on the ice was a conversation without words.”
