Couple continues skating together after nearly 60 years

PORTLAND, Ore. — A couple who has been skating together for nearly 60 years continues to glide across the ice at Lloyd Center, where their love story began.

Jerry and Tally Leonard, former competitive figure skaters, first stepped onto the ice together in 1967 as teenagers. Jerry is now 75 and Tally is almost 80.

“We had a sense of oneness on the ice, to move as one. As time went along, that’s when we got married,” Jerry said.

Meeting on the ice

The Leonards met when a professional skater suggested they compete together based on their similar skating styles.

“She told me that there’s a girl in Portland that sure skates like you. I think she saw the same style and passion for skating and said, ‘You need to get together,’” Jerry said.

Tally was already competing at the national level when they met.

“Tally was already a tremendous skater, she was already a national-level competitor, and I was just a pip from the sticks,” Jerry said.

“I thought he was really nice, and I enjoyed being with him,” Tally said.

Competitive career and beyond

The couple made several appearances at the U.S. National Figure Skating Championships before getting married and opening a dental practice together.

“We skated and I had never felt such smoothness, such harmony – it was just so beautiful,” Jerry said.

The Leonards still skate at Lloyd Center every week, wearing matching outfits similar to those they wore as teenagers.

“We’ve put on a lot of miles here,” Jerry said.

“He’s wonderful, he’s so kind to me and helps me in every way and I love him with all my heart,” Tally said.

The couple said people often approach them at the rink to share how much they enjoy watching them skate.

“People come up and share with us how they’re enjoying it — we really thank them for the message that they give us,” Jerry said. “We just love being together. When we’re walking, we hold hands. Whatever we do, we get to do it together.”

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