Jonathon O'Dougherty


Jonathon O’Dougherty, is a Welsh ice dancer who competed for Britain with partner and wife, Pamela O’Connor.

Personal life

O'Dougherty was born in Wrexham, Wales on 22 February 1978. He graduated from South Nottingham College in 2004 with a degree in Sports Science. He now studies at San Jose State University. He has one brother, who also skated competitively.
O'Connor and O'Dougherty moved to California in 2004, then moved to Minnesota in 2007, where they married. They moved back to California in 2009, where they continue to coach at Sharks Ice in San Jose, California.

Career

O'Dougherty started to skate at age twelve. He was initially a singles skater. After switching to ice dancing, he competed with Tessa McGarry, his coach's daughter. In 1995, he teamed up with O'Connor. They won the bronze medal at the British Junior ice dance championships in their first year together.
O'Connor and O'Dougherty competed at one World Championships, finishing 19th in 2002, and twice at the European Championships, finishing 16th in 2003 and 14th in 2005. They won medals at several internationals – Finlandia Trophy, Pavel Roman Memorial, Ondrej Nepela Memorial, and Golden Spin of Zagreb – and one senior national title. They trained in Great Britain and France until they moved to California to train with Sergei Ponomarenko and Marina Klimova, Olympic gold medalists.
In 1999, O'Dougherty appeared in Robbie Williams' music video for “She’s the One”.
O'Connor and O'Dougherty retired from competitive skating in 2005. They appeared in the 2006 Australian TV show, Torvill and Dean’s Dancing on Ice. O'Dougherty's celebrity partner, Giaan Rooney, injured her ankle before the second episode.
O'Connor and O'Dougherty coach at the Sharks Ice in San Jose, California. They have coached several ice dancers and singles skaters, including Madeline Heritage and Nathan Fast, and Katie Dano.

Programs

SeasonOriginal danceFree dance
2004–2005
  • Kick in the Head
by Robbie Williams
by Holly Palmer, Michael Buble

  • Tonight
by Elton John
2003–2004
  • Swing
  • Moulin Rouge!
  • Competitive highlights