Today we’d like to introduce you to Colin Grafton.
Hi Colin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! I’m Colin! I’ve always believed that if you’re willing to work hard enough, your life can take you places you never imagined. Growing up in the United States, figure skating became my passion at a young age. I dedicated countless hours to training, eventually representing Team USA and building a career that has taken me around the world.
What started as a dream to compete evolved into opportunities I never could have planned for. I’ve had the privilege of performing as one of the Pro skaters on *Dancing on Ice* in the UK, touring internationally, choreographing, acting, modeling, and creating content that allows me to connect with people far beyond the rink. Every chapter has challenged me to grow—not just as an athlete, but as a performer, entrepreneur, and storyteller.
One thing that’s remained constant throughout my career is my willingness to say yes to opportunities that push me outside my comfort zone. Whether it’s performing in front of thousands of people, working on television productions, collaborating with global brands, or mentoring the next generation of skaters, I’ve always tried to approach each experience with professionalism, gratitude, and a desire to keep learning.
Today, my career is a blend of athletics, entertainment, business, and digital media. I’m fortunate to work with brands I genuinely believe in, continue performing internationally, and explore new creative projects while inspiring others to pursue their own ambitions. Looking back, it’s been an unconventional path, but every challenge and opportunity has helped shape the person I am today—and I still feel like I’m just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. Like most careers in sport and entertainment, there have been incredible highs, but also some very difficult moments.
One of the biggest transitions was moving from competitive figure skating into the world of professional performance. As an athlete, you’re focused on results, rankings, and technical precision. As a professional performer, you’re suddenly expected to entertain, tell stories, adapt to different productions, and perform consistently under pressure. It’s a completely different mindset, and learning to reinvent myself while building a sustainable career wasn’t always easy.
Another challenge has been the amount of travel. I’m incredibly grateful that skating has taken me all over the world, but living out of a suitcase for much of the year can be exhausting. You’re constantly adjusting to new countries, time zones, and schedules while trying to stay healthy and perform at your best. It can be difficult to maintain a sense of routine or spend as much time with family and friends as you’d like.
The most difficult experience of my career, however, was losing my skating partner and dear friend, The Vivienne. We had reached the final of *Dancing on Ice* together and shared so many unforgettable moments, both on and off the ice. Their passing was heartbreaking and reminded me that life is far bigger than trophies, television, or career milestones. It changed my perspective in many ways and reinforced the importance of supporting the people around you, appreciating every opportunity, and never taking a single performance for granted.
Those experiences have shaped who I am today. They’ve taught me resilience, adaptability, and gratitude, and they’ve made every success that much more meaningful.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve been fortunate to build a career that doesn’t fit into just one category. At my core, I’m a professional figure skater, but over the years that has evolved into performing on television, choreographing, acting, modeling, creating digital content, and partnering with brands around the world. Every opportunity has come from being willing to adapt and continually reinvent myself while staying true to who I am.
I’m probably best known for my work as a tv personality and professional skater on *Dancing on Ice* in the UK, where I had the privilege of performing for millions of viewers each week. Since then, I’ve continued performing internationally while also expanding into entertainment and business. This year marked another exciting milestone when I filmed my first short film, opening the door to a new chapter in my acting career. I’ve also enjoyed working with brands and creating content that feels authentic to my lifestyle—whether I’m traveling for a show, training, or sharing a behind-the-scenes look at life as a professional athlete. It’s also been exciting to collaborate with companies and creative partners in cities like Dallas, where there’s such a strong entrepreneurial and creative community.
What I’m most proud of isn’t any one performance or television appearance—it’s the fact that I’ve been able to build a career on my own terms. The entertainment industry is constantly changing, and I’ve learned how to evolve with it instead of being defined by one role or one moment. Whether I’m stepping onto the ice, working on a film set, mentoring young skaters, or building relationships with brands, I try to bring the same level of professionalism and passion to everything I do.
I think what sets me apart is that I bridge several different worlds. I understand the discipline it takes to compete as an elite athlete, the creativity required to perform and tell stories, and the business mindset needed to build a personal brand in today’s digital landscape. I’ve never wanted to be known for just one thing. My goal has always been to keep growing, keep creating, and use every new opportunity to inspire others to chase ambitious goals of their own.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Trust your gut and believe in yourself, even when others don’t see your vision yet. There will always be people who tell you something isn’t possible or try to define what success should look like. Don’t let that discourage you. Work hard, stay open to new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to take risks that push you outside your comfort zone.The moments that changed my life came from believing I was capable, even when the path ahead wasn’t clear, and sometimes taking an uncomfortable leap.
Contact Info:
- Website: Colingrafton@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Colin_Grafton
- Facebook: @Colin_Grafton
