Those who recall 1995 U.S. champion Nicole Bobek in her competitive days may remember her skating talent, her beauty and audacious personality. Bobek's spiral seemed to defy flexibility limits, her energy — mesmerizing and never ending. Though she retired from competitive skating in 1999, within a year, she was performing in professional shows (through 2004).
 
For several years, though, dark and serious tribulations took over Bobek's life, keeping her away from the ice and the spotlight.
 
In late 2015, she began posting on social media, many of her posts reminiscent of her competitive career, miscellaneous personal posts and snapshots of her time in circus life. (She performed with circus troupes in the U.S. and internationally).

 
In May 2022, Bobek posted a photo of her iconic spiral with the caption, "I think it's time to get back on that ice," and a month later, an emotional post about returning to the ice, with her husband and infant son supporting her.
 
Within another month, she posted video of Axels on the harness, assisted by Florida skating coach Jason Kane. Her feed began to fill with more skating videos, and her following grew to more than 5,000, with fans and friends encouraging her return, while witnessing her growing strength and obvious exhilaration. 
 
Bobek's motivation was simple.
 
"I felt like it was the right time," Bobek said. "Skating has always been part of my life, and it felt like the perfect moment to give back to the community that's shaped so much of who I am."
 
Her involvement additionally encompassed teaching and performing in charity and benefit shows.
 
"Being back on the ice means everything," Bobek said. "Skating at my own pace without competition pressure is a new freedom and allows me to enjoy skating in a whole new way."
 
While reflecting on her skating past, Bobek appreciates how much the sport has evolved and the great differences from the era of skating in which she grew up.
 
"Not every change feels familiar, but I support the growth," Bobek said.
 
Ever open-minded, Bobek is enthusiastic about blending the classic, traditional skating of her time with new, interactive choreography. She considers it a creative mix of old and new, and loves being able to share that with audiences. Referring again to her freedom on ice, Bobek allows herself to play, enjoy the movements and express herself in ways she was not able while competing.
 
Bobek's foray into circus arts completely changed the way she moves, developing her strength and flexibility and creating new possibilities on ice.
 
"It's been a game-changer to do things I never thought I'd be able to bring into skating," Bobek said.
 
The biggest change in Bobek's perspective is derived from becoming a mother. How she sees the world has provided her with a deeper purpose.
 
"Everything I've been through has made me more intentional about what I want to give back to skating," Bobek said.
 
Her son, now 5 years old, skates for fun, but is not pursuing more. Posts of him easily outnumber her skating posts.
 
Bobek's decision to post about making her way back to the ice was borne of a desire to reconnect with fans who supported her in the 1990s and still relish the style and energy of that era.
 
"Sharing my journey now is a way to bring that spirit back and reignite the connection with my fan base," Bobek said.
 
Always open to new, creative opportunities, Bobek continues to love performing, collaborating and exploring new ways of expression.
 
"My goal is to keep creating and evolving and push boundaries while staying true to the essence of what made me love skating in the first place," Bobek said. "I'm just excited to see what I can create next."
 
One current endeavor is her autobiography, telling the full story of her struggles and victories, with the hope of providing a survival guide for anyone in need, not just in the skating world. The book, Bobek: The Wild One — The Untold Story of Figure Skating's Most Defiant Star, was released in October 2025.
 
"It's hard to give one-size-fits-all advice, because everyone's journey is so personal," Bobek said. "I'd say in spite of pressure and distractions, don't lose sight of why you started. Find that original spark and protect it. That's what carries you through everything else."
 
Her aspirations of continuing to leave a mark on the world of figure skating is evident.
 
"I still have a lot of love to give to this sport," Bobek said. "I'm just getting started again."
 
Check out Bobek's harness work here.