No matter what life throws our way, National Get Up Day on February 1 encourages us to celebrate our determination to bounce back. U.S. Figure Skating created this campaign to honor those who have been courageous in the face of falling. Let’s use this day to recognize our own Get Up moments, recognize those around us who have been resilient, and inspire people in our own lives to keep going.
National Get Up Day timeline
The U.S. Figure Skating organization decided to highlight the perseverance, toughness and fortitude that skaters possess.
Scott Hamilton, an Olympic gold medalist in figure skating, originated the concept during a segment on NBC's "Today" show.
National Get Up Day was celebrated prior to the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.
How to Observe National Get Up Day
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Share your own experience — and spread the message — on social media
Please share a time when you encountered failure but chose to persevere. If you're sharing your story on social media, include the hashtag #GetUpDay.
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Inspire others to Get Up
Inspire others to keep going by sharing your message on social media, organizing an event, or connecting with friends who need motivation.
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Go ice skating!
It's an ideal way to mark the occasion. Keep in mind that if you stumble, it's okay - just rise and try again!
5 Inspiring Get Up Moments In U.S. Olympic History
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Adam Rippon
In 2017, the 2016 U.S. National Men's Figure Skating Champion sustained a shoulder injury, but despite this setback, he persevered and made it onto the 2018 Olympic team.
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Mirai Nagasu
This seven-time U.S. National Ladies' Figure Skating medal winner, who was excluded from the 2014 Olympic team, made a triumphant return in 2018 — becoming the first American female skater to perform a triple axel in a competition.
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Miracle on Ice
At the 1980 Winter Olympics, the USA hockey team, comprised of amateur players, pulled off a stunning upset against the heavily favored Soviet Union, winning the medal-round game 4-3. This victory would ultimately lead to the USA team claiming the gold medal.
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Apolo Anton Ohno
Despite falling multiple times in his first Olympic final, this American speed skater refused to give up and achieved a silver medal at the 2002 Winter Games by pushing himself to get up and finish the race.
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Kerri Strug
After sustaining an ankle injury during the 1996 Olympics, this American gymnast returned to the arena to aid the U.S. team in earning a gold medal.
Why National Get Up Day is Important
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It can be applied to all aspects of life
U.S. Figure Skating initiated National Get Up Day, but the broader message can be applied to any situation in life. Recently lost your job? Keep positive and begin actively searching for a new one. Failed an exam? Brush it off and study harder for the next one.
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It promotes a healthy attitude
Thanks to all the stories shared under the Get Up Day, it inspired people everywhere to have a more optimistic attitude when they face life's challenges.
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Everyone falls (figuratively and literally)
Whether you celebrate National Get Up Day as a figure skater or not, it serves as a reminder that it is normal to make mistakes, encounter failures and have low moments. We are all human after all, even those highly skilled skaters we see on TV. However, it’s how you recover from these setbacks that truly matters.
National Get Up Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 1 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | February 1 | Thursday |
| 2025 | February 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 1 | Monday |
