Icebreaker

In January 1996, Rudy Galindo won a stunning victory at the U.S. Skating Championships with eight mesmerizing triple jumps that brought the entire audience to its feet. But this crowning moment was a brief respite from a life that had been wrought with tragedy, most poignantly marked by the loss of his brother and two skating coaches to AIDS.

In the mid-1980's, Galindo's pairs partner, Kristi Yamaguchi, left him to pursue Olympic gold in the singles, and a barely functioning Galindo turned to alcohol and drugs for solace. Under the careful tutelage of his sister, Laura, Galindo was able to pull himself together and work his way back to victory in the rink. At age 26, he is the oldest national champion in 70 years - and also the first openly gay figure skater. 'Icebreaker' documents Rudy Galindo's struggle for success, both on and off the ice.