Tessa Virtue parents, Jim and Kate Virtue left no stone unturned to shape their daughter’s career in figure skating. While her mother managed her skating competitions, her father provided financial backup.
It was not always bright lights and top finishes for Virtue, but thanks to her family support, she became an Olympic gold medalist.
Despite not being active in athletics themselves, her parents were equally there throughout her journey.
Be it providing training from top trainers or equipment or traveling, they have done it all.
Tessa Jane McCormick Virtue is a retired Canadian ice dancer who achieved major success in their sport as never seen before.
Together with her partner Scott Moir, she became the 2010 and 2018 Olympic champion, the 2014 Olympic silver medalist, and a three-time World champion.
But it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
An eight-time Canadian National champion, Virtue and Moir became the most decorated Canadian ice dance team of all time and the most decorated Olympic figure skaters of all time.
Virtue and Moir, the only ice dancers in history to achieve a Super Slam, were inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in the Sports and Athletics category in December 2018.
Tessa Virtue Parents: Meet Jim And Kate Virtue
Tessa Virtue was born to Jim Virtue and Kate Virtue in London, Ontario, Canada. The retired Canadian ice dancer is the youngest of four siblings.
Having four children, there was a lot on the plate for Jim and Kate Virtue. Regardless, they supported Tessa’s passion for figure skating and made numerous sacrifices.
Kate Virtue Is A Fashion Designer
Kate, Tessa’s mother, has helped create her daughter’s skating costumes since she was eight. Virtue also credits her mom for her passion for design.
Not only Kate’s genetics but also her stylish wardrobes have helped Virtue look stunning on various occasions.
Kate was an impressive force when Virtue was growing up. There was a time in her life when she had two kids and a full-time job which she managed whilst doing her MBA.
In 2005, the pair decided to switch coaches and train Tessa in Michigan to help her pursue her dreams.
They even bought a home there, and Kate moved down to watch over her then-15-year-old daughter. For this, she had to quit her job with the Law Society of Upper Canada.
Tessa’s mother was usually the family member accompanying her to competitions. Therefore, she was convinced that her mom was a superwoman.
Father Jim Virtue Is A London Lawyer
Jim Virtue is a partner and a team leader at Siskinds Law Firm. In 2023, he was named one of “The Best Lawyers in Canada’s” Lawyer of the Year for Insurance Law.
Jim stayed behind in London to make the money to help finance everything when Tessa was traveling with her mother for competitions. Thanks to her father, Tessa was able to accomplish her dream.
At one point, she even relocated for practice. Jim believed that skating life was like a moving house for which the bread earner would pay for.
Although Jim is a lawyer, he never forced Tessa to study law. Nonetheless, he encouraged her when she showed a desire to pursue a career in athletics.
Tessa Virtue Sister: Meet Jordan Virtue
Jordan Virtue, born in 1983, is the oldest among the Virtue siblings. The Virtue siblings remain close and supportive of each other despite their varied career paths.
The 2020 Order of Canada inductee is most close to her sister Jordan, and they can be seen together frequently in her Instagram feeds.
Apart from being a parental figure, Jordan is her best friend and biggest fan of her career.
Furthermore, Jordan is a registered social worker and qualifying psychotherapist in Ontario. The former commercial litigation lawyer switched professions to become a psychotherapist.
Likewise, the Olympian’s sister has degrees in Sociology and Social Work. She also works as an instructor at Barre Belle.
