At 64, ice skater proves you're never too old to 'freeze the day'

Cindy Crouse of Crystal Lake rediscovered a love for figure skating decades after hanging up her ice skates

[@mpdnd1335]

You can tell by the way she skates that she started as a child. She has a lot of flexibility for someone her age so must have really kept in shape.

[@samfromuk]

Great inspiration and I love her quotes: "If you can find something that you are passionate about then you should persue that for as long as you possibly can." "Your worse day on the ice is still better than your greatest day at work!"

[@ladbeethoven9]

I'm 68 and just dusted off my skates and returned to the rink for the first time in eight years. I still love to skate.

[@barbaras3206]

best of luck. im gonna go solo too - have my gold level daughter, 38, help me.

[@jskonstakningskanalen693]

I started from scratch, with no experience before at the age of 37, unfortunately Sweden is not a country that are very welcoming for adult skaters.. but I have landed my first Axel off ice.. in august we will start with the ice training 🤩👏👏👏

[@salsatosalchow7294]

Same❤I stepped foot on ice at 33. I’m so excited for you and your axel!!

[@keladry12]

AN AXEL??? How did it go?? That's so cool.

[@scorpionb33]

AMAZING! I’m starting from scratch at 28 and terrified that it’s too late for me but this just inspired me so much, well done to you! ❤❤

[@ginatriana1523]

Whohooo! I'm 53 and still learning and loving skating, what an inspiration!

[@russellwilliams4317]

Don't let age prevent you from doing what YOU want. It is NEVER too late! I'm sure you're great---stick with it!

[@258thLT]

I stopped when I was 17, that was almost 30 years ago. I just returned about 9 months ago at 49, I just turned 50 in September. I've done about five shows since this summer. Not that many adult male figure skaters especially veterans and cancer survivors..

[@radiantrosie]

Heck yeah! Well done! 💪

[@irinalove2826]

I'm 36 and I went through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Treatment ended a month ago. And I decided that I wanted to skate. It is very difficult. My muscles are weak after months of treatment. But figure skating is so inspiring)

[@jrg305]

I started at 33 and now I'm 37. I can do a flying camel, and like 5/6 single jumps. Bought some crash pads for working on my axel. But this is my 8th sport lol. I'm pretty athletic.

[@jlcmsw]

Everyone in this comment thread is incredible! Keep it up. For me skating is pure joy and as I’m approaching my 50th I’m considering getting out there. Even with severe chronic fatigue and very bad knees it’s tempting.

[@Madalynnefigureskater4life]

Cindy, you have a beautiful axel! It has great distance and height! :)

[@katiavera2086]

I’m 55 and compete in Mexico in Adult Silver. I think I’m one of the oldest figure skaters in my country. I hope to be able to keep skating for many more years. I really respect mature skaters because it’s a real challenge for us to be taken into consideration.

[@scorpionb33]

amazing! I’m about to start my skating journey at 28, how inspiring ❤

[@katiavera2086]

@@scorpionb33 good luck! I must warn you, though, this sport is addictive!

[@scorpionb33]

@@katiavera2086 I can’t wait! 🥰

[@ming3652]

"Your worse day on the ice is still better than your greatest day at work" I agree, I would love to on ice everyday

[@barbaras3206]

i was under that spell for a bit. spending money I didn't have. charge charge charge. until two coaches for LTS ripped me a new one to make me feel like a big zero. nice, huh? yep I pay for abuse!!! hahaha well laffs on them. I quit all classes and coaches. i'll do it myself. cuz they all are prima donna divas that were forced to ice at 4yo. or something and take it out on old ladies. seems to me. this rink shouldnt be allowed to even have LTS. it's a HUGE disheveled mess and I have been at LTS since June and now it is December? I am DONE DONE DONE. I WILL NO LONGER PAY TO BE VERBALLY ABUSED AND CRITICIZED WHEN I AM DOING MY BEST. i pay for privates, I show up for class rehearsal/lessons, I try to work hard, I follow instruction, I pay for freestyles to practice on, I try public skate ice. we had NO BUSINESS BEING PASSED OUT OF LTS ONE OR TWO WITH OUT ANY WAY TO STOP. not one coach taught us how to stop. it's unreal. DONE. cant believe. and they gloat about their adult skaters. whatever

[@alix5704]

She's just done it again...came in 2nd in the Adult Gold Women's Championship round at Adult Nationals. And she was leading most of the way through the competition. She also came in first in two other competitions at Nationals.

[@jananderson8149]

That is wonderful news to hear!

[@radiantrosie]

Inspiring! I'm 39 and just strapped on my brand new skates today after a 24 year hiatus. Thank you for this encouraging story! ❤️

[@lizjansen2496]

Yay!!!!! I’m almost 36 and took a 20-yr hiatus- started going to open skates a couple years ago, and rejoined a FSC! I feel crazy 😂. Super afraid of getting injured! I’ve got the wrist guards on at a minimum. Lol.

[@russellwilliams4317]

@@lizjansen2496 I'm 33, went to my nearby skating rink in Arizona for the 1st time, and busted my a** so many times that I had to ride my motorcycle home basically standing up🤣🤣🤣 I'm sure you'll be just fine! You got this, beasty!

[@mjmmorales]

Just started skating again after 25 years off the ice.Trying to land that sal chow again.Put on my old Sp teri skates & boy did they give me blisters.I wanted 2 skate so bad (THAT NIGHT) that I WENT IN THE PRO SHOP & BOUGHT some Jackson's ice skates with PVC soles. I did not do my homework correctly before buying new skates. Now my nice MK blade from my other skates cannot go on these skates.😅 I figure, if I'm still doing this sport in one year then I will buy myself a nice pair of custom-made boots to put my old MK blade on. Started skating back in November 2023 & been skating every Tuesday and Friday since. One thing I can say about Jackson boots 🤔they are very comfortable. They're very good for wide feet 💯💃⛸️

[@padmajacakwin2026]

She has such a hearty smile and so much joy. I love it!!

[@lilianmatheson3664]

Yes... like flying. I love adult skating. I am an adult started when was 42... 3 years later, I am still trying. I love that there are still hope for me. ❤

[@randomguy4820]

I think this lady is wonderful!

[@evasage14]

this is truly so inspiring, i was on the fence about staring skating now at 17 but this gives me the confidence too, thank you❤️

[@maikolosav]

Haha don't even think about it! I started at 36 😂

[@barbaras3206]

not sure what you mean - but 17 is a GREAT age. coaches love em. it's the 60 plus LTS they despise. I know. I am dealing with it now. what is odd is NONE OF OUR 20 SOMETHINGS passed LTS 3 at all. so there. but why am I the one called out and abused? done. like I am not trying hard enough. like I didn't spend a TON of money on freestyles, open public skates, etc etc etc. a private coach once a week. done done done. not gonna take the sarcastic remarks anymore.

[@Sharpe1502]

I’m 29 and just started skating last year. There’s lots of older people learning how to skate in my classes in their 50’s-60’s. It’s scary but it’s very fun. If you can, I highly recommend getting into a class and learning.

[@scorpionb33]

I’m about to start at 28, this is so inspiring to see! ❤

[@flaiirenn]

what an inspiration! proof you're never too old. she looks so graceful on ice.

[@barbaras3206]

im proof. I didnt have any professional skating experience as a child. this woman even did old school FIGURES!! remember those??? she had hours upon hours of lessons. privates most likely. she has been reskating since 47!!! thats 15 years. sheesh knock it off already it's not like she is 67 starting in June 2023 with LTS 1. for crying out loud.

[@SassySkaters]

My greatest role model. Just scheduling my first adult pre-bronze test... and comp. This woman is my hero! I can't wait to get to World's! P.s. I'm not saying I'll never be an Olympic Ice Dancer either... Go big or go home!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉 Biggest fan FOR LIFE!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MobiusMinded]

Gonna do this myself… turn 62 next march and stopped skating in 1975. Next stop Harlicks… to get a new pair of boots

[@rosi...000]

I’m ordering Edea’s

[@marydolan1067]

60 year old here and I returned to the ice last month. It’s hard , but fun. I purchased Edeas.

[@mariannehanley3151]

You are such an inspiration!! Thank You!

[@stressmuffin]

That’s my bucket list to learn how to figure skate. Good for this beautiful figure skating queen!

[@Tony1771-yj8mc]

I'm 58 and started last year going to the ice park. In elementary to high school I roller skated a lot, but never ice skated until in college on tour with a group up north and ice skated at a mall. Then around 30 we got an ice rink and I took a beginners class but never got very far with that class. Didn't even learn to do a Snow plough stop. Hadn't skated since until last year. I was a little apprehensive because of age but went anyway. I'm no where at her level, but I can snow plough stop both feet or one foot left and right, do forward one foot glides on each foot, crossovers both directions (just can't do the second under push yet), and go backwards. Now I'm extremely comfortable on ice. Deciding to do it was a great decision for me. I learned I can still learn new skills. It's so much fun. Yeah, most everyone is far younger than me, at least no older people learning. Anyone who is older can already skate. Older people who are learning are in their early 40s. I can remember as a kid adults saying they were too old to learn like my mom. Unless you have a condition that would interfere with you learning, you can totally learn to skate. Just know it takes awhile to learn the different menuevers, you aren't just going to get good in six months, but I don't want to get good quick. I want it as a way to have something to do for exercise, fun, and keep my mind active. Also, no, I have no plans to do jumps or spins. Just backward crossovers and such. More of the intermediate basics, not super advanced stuff.

[@chiutwan]

I started skating at age 51 with zero prior experience on the ice. It’s been 4.5 years and I’ve enjoyed every moment! It’s nice to see here other skaters who are close to my age group. Perhaps we should start a social group? Or, might there be one already?

[@pascalinepetit8111]

I am a fifty year old skater, and i Hope to skate as soon as possible

[@yalebaker7976]

I’m 50 and recently started skating again after not doing it for 35 years or so. It’s great cardio exercise, it’s easy on your knees and it’s the coldest gym in town which makes it ideal for summertime workouts. And she’s right, it feels like you’re flying.

[@ladeek35]

Incredible. I love what she’s doing for herself. She’s got skills too!!

[@yagmuruzun3090]

A wonderful inspiration….

[@kikilee3241]

Wow she is amazing!

[@jacquieharbord1566]

Well done Camilla, you comment about skating being like flying is how I have always looked at skating. Keep it up. Give my best to Chris Howarth, we were friends way back. Much enjoy all his commentaries. Best wishes Jacquie Harbord

[@thatsawrap8]

There's no excuse folks. This is incredible 👏 bravo to her

[@elizabethdexter-wilson4239]

LOVE this so much! She is awesome!

[@victoriathetrolleydolly2347]

She is just amazing. Wish everybody could be same perfect in her age

[@paulasfigureskating5612]

Congratulations Cindy! Your figure skating and this video are fabulous! We are the same age! I hope to see you at the 2023 U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships! 🙂❤

[@Cherry-ts2cu]

omg she's such an inspiration! i aspire to be like her

[@emilyg6767]

So wholesome! We should have more news like this! ☺️

[@joanneolsen5635]

So awesome!

[@YAZMINMARTINEZ-rl4qo]

She skates amazing!!!!!!

[@mk2mike]

Bravo!

[@Nickytyn-ll1my]

I absolutely love that women, I'm a 50 year old roller skater and plan to skate for many years!

[@sandracuthbert1217]

This is so so nice. I also still have my skates. But, but I haven't gone skating for years! Maybe I should

[@kimhartleywellywood]

Omg did she just do an axel and make it look super easy? I am both inspired and jealous!❤ 😮

[@DanniTheMagicJunkDrawer]

I love this! Good for her! Age is just a number. 👍🏼

[@patsydf]

Well done, I'm 72 and thinking about going back to the ice, never be as good as her though.

[@deesterdee6650]

Wow, love it!!!!! Wish I could skate as beautiful as she does!!!!

[@dianepines9014]

Congrats!🎉💪👏👏💃

[@jrebeccadearing]

Way to go Cindy! 👏👏👏

[@fuscia13]

Cool, I’m 46 and thought maybe I had 4 years left of this. Obviously that’s a short sited view point. You can skate your whole life :)

[@joisnor7906]

age is only a number. I'm always surprised that people are shocked when they find out my age in the gym. I'm 60 years old and still a competitive bodybuilder who JUST started skating lessons to get back on the ice. When people learn my age they're like "oh good for you!" LOL! I have to laugh - why good for me? Are we supposed to sit in a chair after a certain age and wait to die? The guy I skate with on Tuesday mornings is 84! A body in motion stays in motion. Don't stop or you'll literally STOP.

[@amypatton6730]

You go girl!!!!!

[@ericguida413]

insane loveee this

[@ChannelJtotheD]

Wow! Amazingly inspiring. Giving ice skating a try is one thing. Though this person is shocking, so agile

[@janegurrea3198]

40 now and inspired to skate until im 100. ☺️

[@cedmonds525]

That’s what I’m talking about!

[@huh._what]

this was really inspiring I'm pretty young but I was kinda scared about starting since well I didn't think that I could since I thought I missed the like time to start and I'm too old to start

[@reighn831]

wow, I can only wish to have a hydroblade like that and I'm not even 30 yet haha

[@russellwilliams4317]

What is up with everyone assigning age to everything nowadays? I mean, age has nothing to do with ability, skill and or the drive to accomplish something---nothing at all. There are plenty of people HALF (or more) her age that could not do what she just did and even find it hard to leave the house. Ms/Mrs. Crouse has an inspirational spirit and appears to be a genuine woman enjoying life and is not allowing age barriers to govern how she lives it. Good for her and she looks AMAZING on the ice. Get it girl!

[@lizjansen2496]

Because figure skating is physically demanding and becomes much more difficult and injurious as we age.

[@janets9179]

That's a nice thought, but our physical abilities decline with age. No getting around it. Some do better than others, of course.

[@galkanova5654]

WOW !🎉🎉🎉

[@rosi...000]

I am 60 and am going to put the skates on.

[@figulapt3784]

64 and she can do an axel. Meanwhile, I'm 22 and can't even do a toeloop xD

[@TylesBrain]

I hung my skates up 20 years ago and just got new skates

[@saundrakielborn2201]

❤❤❤😊

[@TorbenRudgaard]

im only 56 and there i no way I can still do an axel!! And I used to do tripple jumps!!

[@gaylegarcia5604]

I’m 65 and figure skate.

[@marshastout5882]

Yes, try a different rink.@@barbaras3206

[@kerembuldur9679]

I am 46 and wanna try

[@tomciras6672]

So I'm 63-1/2 so I must be ready for the grave?

[@20alphabet]

Still ignoring real news?