Tessa Virtue is a retired Canadian ice dancer who, together with partner Scott Moir, achieved international fame and recognition in figure skating. Renowned for her elegance, strength, and skill, Virtue is one of the most decorated ice dancers in the sport’s history.
Born on May 17, 1989, in London, Ontario, Canada, Tessa Virtue began ice skating at the young age of six. She is the youngest of four siblings born to Kate and Jim Virtue. For her education, she attended Holy Names High School in Windsor and also took courses through AMDEC, an electronic learning institution located in Stratford. Her figure skating journey began at the tender age of six when an impending school trip to an ice arena inspired her to take up the sport. Just two years into her collaboration with Moir, she decided to forgo an opportunity to join the National Ballet School, choosing instead to fully commit to her burgeoning skating career.
Recognizing her potential, her family fully supported her in pursuing her passion for the sport. She attended Holy Names High School before studying at the University of Windsor and Western University, where she balanced academics with a rigorous training regimen.
Virtue wasn’t just a skater in her younger years; she also dabbled in gymnastics, athletics, and other physical activities. She embarked on a psychology degree at the University of Windsor in 2007 and, by 2014, was in the process of finishing her degree at the University of Western Ontario. In 2020, she took up the Executive MBA program at Queen’s University, but reports suggest that she later transitioned to studying at the University of Pennsylvania.
Virtue’s career began in earnest when she was paired with Scott Moir in 1997 by coach Paul MacIntosh. They started competing at the junior level, winning the Canadian Junior title in 2004. The duo quickly ascended the ranks, claiming gold at the 2006 World Junior Championships.
In her quest for excellence in figure skating, Virtue moved to Canton, Michigan, in 2004 to receive training from renowned coaches Igor Shpilband and Marina Zueva. Post the 2014 Olympics, she resettled in her hometown of London, Ontario. By 2016, her journey took her to Montreal, Quebec, where she and Moir were mentored by Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon. Virtue and Moir share a unique bond, having often described each other as best friends. Elaborating on their relationship, Virtue once said, “Our partnership is truly special. We hold each other in the highest regard.”
Their senior career took off with a silver medal at the 2008 World Championships, followed by a gold medal win at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, a first for a North American ice dancing team. This success was followed by two silver medals at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and a triumphant return with two more golds at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.
Virtue and Moir’s performances were noted for their chemistry, technical precision, and emotive storytelling. They announced their retirement from competitive skating in September 2019.
Tessa Virtue’s net worth has been estimated at around $6 million. This wealth has been amassed through prize winnings, endorsements, and various media appearances. Her partnership with brands like Adidas, Nivea, and Visa has further contributed to her financial success.
Virtue’s long list of accolades includes:
Her achievements stand as a testament to her dedication, skill, and influence in the world of figure skating.
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