Olympic Gold Medalists Charlie White And Meryl Davis Talk 2018 Olympics, Beijing

Meryl Davis and Charlie White. The duo became one of the great stories to come out of the Sochi Olympic Games in 2014. They were the first American ice dancing team to take home the gold medal since the sport was started in 1976.

After Sochi, they headed directly to Dancing with the Stars, in which they were one of the more-popular contestants on the show. The routine on the ice transitioned nicely into the hard floor.

With the 2016 World Championships right around the corner, Meryl and Charlie join us from Beijing, China to talk about what’s ahead for them, including an exciting new initiative that is taking them to the Great Wall.

Jon Fisher: Meryl, after winning the gold in 2014, is it fair to say you and Charlie have remained quite busy?

Meryl Davis: “Things have been very busy, but luckily, we love what we do. It’s been almost, exactly two years since we won the gold in Sochi. We headed directly into Dancing with the Stars after the Olympics. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind of traveling all around the world to beautiful places like Beijing, doing skating tours, speaking engagements and lots of other fun things.”

“We feel really spoiled and that we get to do what really love.”

Jon Fisher: That brings up a great question Charlie, what are you guys doing in Beijing, so close to the World Championships?

Charlie White: “We’re here with Visa as part of the 2016 U.S.-China Tourism. We’re so lucky to be partnered with Visa, as well as be in China, promoting something that’s so wonderful. As international figure skaters, we’ve been able to travel to China quite a few times. This time, we really get to focus on the tourism aspect, instead of the competitive aspect.”

“It’s a lot more fun and a lot less stress.”

Jon Fisher: Speaking of tourism, Meryl, you will be part of an event at the Great Wall of China later.

Meryl Davis: “Charlie and I will be leading a group of tourists up to the top of the Great Wall. We have been [here] once before and it’s just one of the most-spectacular experience. We encourage everyone to come at least once in your life to see, you know, one of the Wonders of the World.”

“So, to be able to participate in not only on the Great Wall, but to be part of an event like this, encouraging people to travel here and experience this wonderful place is really exciting for us.”

Jon Fisher: On the topic of staying in shape, what are your plans for the next Winter Olympics in 2018?

Charlie White: “We’re actually still undecided. It’s a huge decision. We know exactly what goes into it, having competed at two different Olympics. We’re just taking our time. We have 6-to-8 months before we have to make a decision. Right now, we’re making the most of all the opportunities we have.”

Jon Fisher: Where does the Great Wall of China rank as one of the greatest experiences you’ve had?

Meryl Davis: “We were just saying earlier today that the Great Wall is one of the most stand-out events; not only of our skating and traveling lives, but just in general. It’s just that spectacular and I think it’s something everyone has to see.”

Jon Fisher: Is there anywhere people can go to read more on your trip to Beijing and the Great Wall in general?

Charlie White: “We’re going to be posting and tweeting about all the goings on. We’re having a great time over here. It’s a good way to get people excited.”

[Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images]