6 hours ago
Olympic Figure Skater Adam Rippon Announces Plans to Open Medical Spa
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Adam Rippon, the openly gay figure skater who made history as the first openly gay American athlete to win a medal at the Winter Olympics, is embarking on a new entrepreneurial venture: opening a medical spa. The 2018 Olympic bronze medalist has been candidly sharing his journey into the wellness industry through his podcast"Intrusive Thoughts by Adam Rippon," offering listeners an unfiltered look at the challenges and excitement of starting a business .
Rippon discussed the arduous process of finding and securing a suitable location for his new medical spa, describing the journey as both exciting and challenging . In his August 7, 2025 podcast episode titled"A Hidden Toaster and A Sad Microwave," the former Olympian revealed he was on the verge of signing a lease for his new medical spa, crediting an 80-year-old real estate professional named Bob for helping him find a space that included plumbing .
In a particularly colorful anecdote from his July 31, 2025 episode"Nipple to Knee," Rippon shared that he discovered what he described as"the surprisingly perfect space" for his medical spa—a location that had previously been occupied by what he referred to as a"very shady massage business" .
True to his characteristic approach of diving headfirst into new challenges, Rippon has taken a hands-on role in preparing his medical spa space. The athlete has been personally managing various aspects of the renovation process, sharing his DIY experiences with his podcast audience .
In podcast episodes, Rippon described painting his new medical spa facility himself, candidly discussing the challenges he encountered during the process. He spoke about dealing with gallons of paint, ruined floors, and making numerous trips to Home Depot as he worked to transform the space .
His DIY efforts extended beyond basic painting. In his August 21, 2025 episode titled"Closet Purgatory and Other Life Lessons," Rippon shared updates about his renovation work, which included removing an old microwave and installing a self-installed range hood and custom steel backsplash .
Since capturing the world's attention at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, where he won bronze as part of the team event, Rippon has successfully transitioned from competitive athletics to various entertainment and business ventures. His openness about his sexuality during the Olympics made him a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate and role model for young queer athletes worldwide.
Following his Olympic success, Rippon has built a diverse career that includes television appearances, public speaking engagements, and content creation. His podcast"Intrusive Thoughts by Adam Rippon" has become a platform where he shares his unfiltered thoughts on everything from wellness trends to personal experiences, described as offering listeners"a front-row seat into the wonderfully unpredictable mind of Adam Rippon" with content that is"comedic, casual, and completely unfiltered" .
Throughout his podcast, Rippon has demonstrated a keen interest in health and wellness topics, which aligns naturally with his decision to open a medical spa. In his July 17, 2025 episode titled"The Problem with Influencer Wellness Trends," he discussed various wellness trends and shared details about his own health journey .
The former figure skater has been vocal about navigating health choices and has shared his personal experiences with making lifestyle changes, demonstrating the kind of authentic approach to wellness that may inform his medical spa's philosophy .
Rippon's venture into the medical spa industry represents a significant expansion of his post-Olympic career. The medical spa sector has experienced substantial growth in recent years, with increasing consumer interest in non-invasive cosmetic procedures, wellness treatments, and self-care services. By entering this market, Rippon is positioning himself at the intersection of wellness, beauty, and lifestyle—areas where he has already demonstrated significant influence through his social media presence and public platform.
The medical spa project represents the latest chapter in Rippon's remarkable post-Olympic career, one that continues to evolve as he explores new opportunities while maintaining his commitment to authenticity and connection with his audience.