Tessa Virtue

Tessa Virtue is a Canadian figure skater who, alongside her partner Scott Moir, has become one of the most decorated ice dancers in history. Born on May 17, 1989, in London, Ontario, Canada, Virtue's journey from a young skating enthusiast to an Olympic champion is a testament to her dedication and talent.

Early Life and Education

Tessa Jane McCormick Virtue is the youngest of four children born to Kate and Jim Virtue. She began skating at the age of six, inspired by a school field trip to an ice rink. Initially interested in ballet, she declined an invitation to join the National Ballet School at age nine to focus on figure skating. Virtue attended Holy Names High School in Windsor, Ontario, and later pursued psychology studies at the University of Windsor and the University of Western Ontario. In 2020, she began an executive MBA program at Queen's University. 

Skating Career

Virtue's partnership with Scott Moir began in 1997 when they were paired by Moir's aunt, a skating coach. Their chemistry and synchronization on the ice quickly set them apart. They won the World Junior Championships in 2006 and made history at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics by becoming the first North American ice dancers to win Olympic gold. They continued to achieve success with silver medals at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and two gold medals at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, making them the most decorated figure skaters in Olympic history with five medals. 

Post-Competitive Career

After retiring from competitive skating in 2019, Virtue transitioned into the business world. She started working at a global consulting firm and continued her education with an executive MBA. Virtue has also been involved in various ice shows and tours, including "Rock the Rink," bringing figure skating to audiences across Canada. 

Personal Life

In her personal life, Virtue married Morgan Rielly, a professional hockey player for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The couple welcomed their first child in August 2024. 

Tessa Virtue's legacy in figure skating is marked by her groundbreaking achievements, artistic performances, and contributions to the sport's growth and popularity.