Family of Illinois Figure Skater Jason Brown: “He Skated His Heart Out”

Family, friends and supporters gathered to watch the Highland Park-native make his Olympic debut

It has always been figure skater Jason Brown's dream to be in the Olympics.

"This is all Jason's idea," said his grandfather Bill Brown. "Becoming an Olympian was something he had in his head."

And on Sunday, all of Brown's hard work and familial support paid off, landing him in center ice performing as an Olympian in Sochi.

His family, friends and supporters gathered in Wilmette, Ill. to watch as the Highland Park-native made his Olympic debut in the team figure skating event.

During Brown's 4 and half minutes on the ice, the room was nearly silent.

"I can't breathe when he gets on the ice," said his aunt Gayle Malvin. "I get a stomach ache and until he's done, I can't breath."

But his performance ended in the best way-- with cheers and complete optimism from those at home as he heads into the singles events Thursday and Friday.

"I think he was nervous," Bill Brown said. "They indicated he skated slower than usua,l but I think he'll get it out of his system. This is his first time, he is 19 years young, as a result he's such a great young man."

After a minor stumble in his routine, Brown finished fourth Sunday with a score of 153.67.

"I think he skated his heart out," said Malvin. "And can you imagine being on a world stage doing what he did?"

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