“We all fall. It’s how we get up that matters.”
That’s the spirit behind National Get Up Day on February 1. U.S. Figure Skating created this motivational campaign in 2016. “Get Up is about being fearless in the face of falling,” according to the USFSA. Just like figure skaters, we all fall sometimes. The tough part is bouncing back. National Get Up Day honors this determination. Get ready to celebrate your own Get Up moments, honor others who’ve been there, and inspire people in your own life to do the same.
National Get Up Day timeline
U.S. Figure Skating decided to promote the determination, resilience and strength that skaters possess.
Olympic figure skating gold medalist Scott Hamilton introduced the idea during an appearance on NBC's "Today" show.
National Get Up Day's celebrated right before the 2018 Winter Games in South Korea.
How to Observe National Get Up Day
Share your own experience — and spread the message — on social media
It can be any moment where you felt like you failed, but rather than giving up, you kept going. If you’re sharing an experience on social media, be sure to use the hashtag #GetUpDay.
Inspire others to Get Up
Whether you choose to do that by posting on social media, scheduling an event, or reaching out to friends who need a little boost, just be sure to inspire those in your life to keep going.
Go ice skating!
It's the perfect way to celebrate. Just remember that when you fall, it’s ok — get up and try again!
5 Inspiring Get Up Moments In U.S. Olympic History
Adam Rippon
The 2016 U.S. National Men's Figure Skating Champion, who injured his shoulder the very next season, fought back and earned a spot on the 2018 Olympic team.
Mirai Nagasu
This seven-time U.S. National Ladies' Figure Skating medalist, left off the 2014 Olympic team, came back to earn a spot in 2018 — becoming the first U.S. woman to land a triple axel in competition.
Miracle on Ice
The USA hockey team, consisting of amateur players, shocked the heavily favored Soviet Union 4-3 in a medal-round game at the 1980 Winter Olympics. They would go on to win the gold.
Apolo Anton Ohno
This American speed skater, who fell several times in his first-ever Olympic final, forced himself to get up and cross the finish line — winning a silver medal at the 2002 Winter Games.
Kerri Strug
This American gymnast, who damaged her ankle at the 1996 Olympics, ultimately came back to help lift the U.S. team to a gold medal.
Why National Get Up Day is Important
It can be applied to all aspects of life
Although U.S. Figure Skating created National Get Up Day, the overall message can be applied to any life situation. Recently laid off? Chin up and hit the ground running to look for a new job. Fail an exam in school? Shake it off and study harder for the next one.
It promotes a healthy attitude
Thanks to all of the Get Up stories out there, people everywhere are inspired to adopt a more positive spirit when facing life's obstacles.
Everyone falls (figuratively and literally)
Whether you celebrate National Get Up Day as a figure skater or not, it serves as a reminder that mistakes, failures, and low moments happen. We are human after all — even those seemingly perfect skaters we see on TV. Still, it’s how you bounce back from these moments that really counts.
National Get Up Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | February 1 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | February 1 | Thursday |
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