Mirai Nagasu
The American figure skater who made history by landing a triple axel at the Olympics, a jump of sheer grit that defined her tenacious career.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American figure skater·Birthday: April 16·Millennials
Biography
Mirai Nagasu's skating was defined by a fierce competitive spirit and a pursuit of technical breakthroughs. She announced herself by winning the U.S. national title at just 14, carrying the weight of Olympic expectation to Vancouver in 2010. After a devastating near-miss for the 2014 Sochi team, Nagasu could have walked away. Instead, she doubled down, mastering the perilous triple axel—a jump no American woman had landed at the Olympics. In the team event at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, she did just that, a moment of cathartic triumph that secured a bronze medal and cemented her legacy as a pioneer. Her career, marked by dazzling highs and public disappointments, showcased an athlete who refused to be defined by anything but her own relentless drive.
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.
Mirai was born in 1993, 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 Mirai Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Mirai's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
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
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
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
2009Could drive
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
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Landed a triple axel during the 2018 Winter Olympics team event, becoming the first American woman to do so at the Games.
- Won a bronze medal in the team event at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.
- Captured the U.S. national championship title in 2008 at the age of 14.
- Is a three-time medalist at the Four Continents Championships.
- Won the 2007–08 ISU Junior Grand Prix Final.
Did You Know?
Her first name, Mirai, means 'future' in Japanese.
She and her family ran a Japanese restaurant in Arcadia, California, called 'A Taste of Tea' for many years.
She was a contestant on the 27th season of 'Dancing with the Stars', partnered with Alan Bersten.
She attended the University of Colorado Colorado Springs while continuing to train as a skater.
“I wanted to show myself that I wasn't a waste of a spot, that I could do something for the team.”
