Allison Reed: A Kalamazoo Native Shining on the Olympic Ice
Allison Reed, a figure skater born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is captivating audiences at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics as she represents Lithuania in the thrilling world of ice dance. Her story is one of dedication, perseverance, and a unique international journey.
Early Life and Skating Beginnings
Born in 1994, Reed’s skating career has taken her across continents. While currently representing Lithuania since 2017, her path wasn’t always straightforward. The International Skating Union lists her hometown as Elk Grove, Illinois, and she previously competed for Georgia at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. She honed her skills through rigorous training, notably in Canton, Michigan, where she first connected with her current partner, Saulius Ambrulevičius.
A Partnership Forged in Ice
Reed and Ambrulevičius have been a formidable ice dance duo for nearly a decade. Their dedication has yielded impressive results, including several Grand Prix medals and a bronze medal at the 2024 European Skating Championships. However, their Olympic dreams faced a hurdle at the 2022 Games. Due to timing issues with obtaining her Lithuanian passport – a necessity as a Japanese-American – they were unable to compete.
Overcoming Obstacles and Olympic Recognition
Determined and resilient, Reed secured her Lithuanian passport in 2024, paving the way for her participation in the Milan-Cortina Olympics. The culmination of their hard work and dedication was further recognized when Reed and Ambrulevičius were proudly selected as Lithuania’s flagbearers for the opening ceremony – a truly momentous occasion.
A Family Legacy on the Ice
Allison’s passion for ice dance runs in the family. Her brother, Chris Reed, and sister, Cathy Reed, were also Kalamazoo natives who represented Japan as an ice dance pair for over a decade. Both Chris and Cathy were Olympians, competing alongside Allison at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and Cathy continuing at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Tragically, Chris passed away unexpectedly in Detroit in 2020 after a heart attack, leaving a void in the skating community.
Current Performance and Future Hopes
As of Monday, February 9th, Reed and Ambrulevičius are currently in seventh place after the first round of the ice dancing event, achieving a score of 82.95 in the rhythm dance. They will return to the ice on Wednesday, February 11th, for the free dance portion of the competition, aiming to secure a coveted medal for Lithuania. You can follow their journey and the latest updates on the official Olympics website.
Allison Reed’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of family, and the pursuit of Olympic dreams. Her journey from Kalamazoo to the international stage is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
