At just 15 years old, Tara Lipinski became the youngest winner of an individual event in history while competing for Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games Nagano 1998. The American athlete grabbed the gold medal in women’s figure skating\u2014and became a sports legend in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the height of her professional figure skating career, Lipinski understood the importance of a good night’s sleep for her athletic performance. “Sleep was a non-negotiable for me,” she tells Saatva. “I really think at the elite level, everything is about recovery\u2014mentally and physically\u2014and you can train for hours, but if you’re not resting well, you’re not gaining that extra edge.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When she didn’t prioritize her sleep, her reaction time would be slower, her focus wouldn’t be there, and her body couldn’t perform the way it needed to, adds Lipinski. “So rest was just as important as time on the ice,” she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“Sleep was a non-negotiable for me. I really think at the elite level, everything is about recovery\u2014mentally and physically\u2014and you can train for hours, but if you’re not resting well, you’re not gaining that extra edge.” – Tara Lipinski<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
These days, Lipinski is as busy as ever. She’s transitioned into a career as a broadcaster and will be a figure skating analyst during the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She’s also mom to an adorable daughter, Georgie (you can follow her motherhood journey<\/a> on her social media)\u2014and an ambassador for Saatva<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watch this video to learn more about Lipinski’s sleep routine, why she’s partnering with Saatva as an\u00a0ambassador, and more:<\/em>
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