Gordie McKellen made the 1972 US Olympic team by placing third at the US Championships, and later was US Champion in 1973-75. He competed at the World Championships from 1971-75 with a best finish of fifth in 1975. McKellen was known for his jumps and was one of the first skaters to perform triple axels, although only in exhibitions. After his amateur competitive career he skated professionally, touring with The Ice Show. He was inducted into the US Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1998. McKellen later became a coach, but in 2001 was banned by the US Figure Skating Association for engaging in unethical and unprofessional behavior while coaching a student.