Get to know figure skating Olympian and River Vale native Elaine Zayak
RIVER VALE, N.J. — In a few days, the 2022 Winter Olympics will kick off in Beijing, China. For well over 100 years, both the Sumer and Winter Olympics have brought athletes from countries all around the world to compete against each other for gold, silver, and bronze medals—and, perhaps more importantly, meet and get to know fellow athletes from all walks of life. The Winter Olympics bring a variety of winter sports, including curling, bobsledding, skiing, snowboarding, and, of course, figure skating. As you and your family sit down to watch the Games this month, know that one of River Vale’s own—Elaine Zayak is a Winter Olympian and World Champion!
How It All Started
Elaine began skating at 3 years old due to a lawn tractor accident which led to the loss of 3 of her toes. Doctors recommended that she take up ice skating as physical therapy. Who could have predicted then that this recommendation would one day lead Elaine to the Winter Olympics?
What started as therapy, eventually led Elaine to competitive figure skating. She says, “My parents took me to practices, competitions, and to off ice training every day at a variety of ice rinks. I couldn’t have done it without them!”
Olympic Dream Comes True
Elaine is a highly decorated skater. She won gold at the World Junior Championships in 1979 and won a World Title at the World Championships in 1982. She also placed 2nd and 3rd at the World Championships. She qualified for the Olympics in both Lake Placid (1980) and Sarajevo (1984, where she placed 6th). She says, “Walking in the Opening Ceremonies was a dream come true. The opportunity to be among all the other US Olympic Team members in all the different sports was so overwhelming and exciting. I met so many athletes and sports producers that are still close friends to this day.”
The Comeback
After 10 years of not competing as an amateur, Elaine’s amateur status was reinstated, and she embarked on an unlikely comeback. She says, “I was overweight and had to re-learn all of my triple jumps, which required half day work outs for 12 straight months. And lots of falling!” She adds, “Despite all of the drama with Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan at the Detroit Nationals in 1994, I skated my best short and long programs in the 12 months leading up to my comeback. My performances received two standing ovations and resulted in my selection as an alternate on the 1994 Olympic Team, which was an amazing accomplishment and experience.”
A Wonderful Life
Elaine has been married to husband, John, for 25 years and has made a home in River Vale for the past 21 years. Since retiring from competitive skating, she has spent the better part of 3 decades coaching national and international competitors. In addition, she and John raised son, John (Jack), who is currently studying Computer Engineering/Science at Tufts University. Now retired, Elaine lives part time in Florida and the remainder of the year here in River Vale. Given the lawn mower accident all those years ago that played a part in her Olympic dreams, she says proudly, “I am an advocate of the LMA; which is a support group for survivors and support victims of lawn mower accidents.”
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