Duluth Skaters Find Community, Inspiration on the Ice

Figure skaters at The Ice Forum in Duluth, Georgia share how the sport has impacted their lives.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A group of figure skaters at The Ice Forum in Duluth, Georgia, ranging in age from their 20s to 60s, discuss how ice skating has become an important part of their lives. The skaters share how the sport has helped them through personal challenges, provided a supportive community, and inspired them to pursue their passions.

Why it matters

The stories of these Duluth skaters highlight how recreational sports like figure skating can have a profound impact on people's lives, providing an outlet for self-expression, physical activity, and building meaningful connections within a community.

The details

The skaters featured include Mary Morelly, who took up figure skating after the sudden loss of her husband, finding peace and fulfillment on the ice; Leandro Gallardo, who is drawn to the artistry and fitness of the sport; Chelsea Jackson, who values the supportive community of skaters who lift each other up; and Leigh Lehman, who started skating at age 45 and says it has filled a void in her life. Despite facing personal challenges and limits, the skaters express how the sport has taken them to 'unbelievable' places.

  • Mary Morelly began skating 3 years ago, after her husband passed away in 2020.
  • Leandro Gallardo used to take lessons once a week, and now skates closer to 7 days a week.

The players

Mary Morelly

A 60-year-old figure skater who took up the sport after the sudden loss of her husband in 2020.

Leandro Gallardo

A figure skater who is drawn to the artistry, performance, and fitness aspects of the sport.

Chelsea Jackson

A figure skater who values the supportive community of skaters at The Ice Forum in Duluth.

Leigh Lehman

A 45-year-old figure skater who says the sport has filled a void in her life and provided her with a great support system.

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What they’re saying

“My favorite part about skating performing and the outfits and the fitness. It looks like you could never do it, but you actually can. Everybody can just put dedication and set the fears aside, and you're going to be supported and encouraged in everything you do.”

— Leandro Gallardo

“I've had friends fall, I've fallen when I've skated, we all lift each other up. So for me, those connections have been really meaningful, and have been the difference between me staying or just turning away when it gets really hard.”

— Chelsea Jackson

“It's filled that void I've had. I've got friends now. I've got a great support system. I've got a motivation, you know, and it's like I was just telling one of my friends, wherever it takes you, it will take you somewhere unbelievable.”

— Leigh Lehman

The takeaway

These stories of Duluth figure skaters showcase how recreational sports can provide a powerful outlet for personal growth, community building, and finding inspiration, even in the face of life's challenges.