Timothy Goebel, United States Figure Skating National Team member since 1994, said: “Goodbye” to his competitive figure skating career.
The former U.S. mens champion, two-time world silver medallist and Skate America champion, and 2002 Olympic bronze medalist, announced his retirement from competitive figure skating in April, 2006. After more than a decade of international competition, Goebel left a successful career with impressive highlights that helped catapult figure skating's technical difficulty to the level it is today.
Goebel became known as the "Quad King" after making history as the first US man to land a quad in competition. He was also the first skater to land a quad Salchow and the first to hit the same jump in a triple-triple combo. In fact, he was the first man in the world to land six quadruple jumps in one competition, including three in one program. During his career, he executed 76 quads in competition, dramatically pushing up the technical expectations of the men's event.
In a press conference, Goebel explained: "I'm currently working on college applications with the hopes of attending Columbia or NYU in the fall. I plan to continue to skate, perform and coach on a part-time basis while I'm in school, as my class schedule allows."
It's good to know Goebel won't be leaving the sport entirely. In addition to coaching and performing, Timothy hopes to become an ISU technical specialist. Timothy awaits exam results as he recently attended a training seminar in Denver, Colorado. Dependant upon his exam results, Timothy hopes to start working at skating events next spring or summer. Additionally, Goebel continues to be active in charity work, most recently dedicating himself to Habitat for Humanity, Figure Skating in Harlem, and tsunami relief.
Goebel spent some time thanking the important people in his life and competitive skating career. "I would like to thank my parents, whose sacrifice and unconditional support have helped make my career possible," Goebel said. "I would also like to thank my agents (Lee Marshall Management) and my coach Audrey Weisiger, who all gave so much of themselves to help me through my career. I'm also thankful to U.S. Figure Skating and all of the other people who have helped me along the way."
