"She was the epitome of class and grace"— Mayor Jim Watson, Ottawa
Born in Ottawa in 1928. Passed away in San Fernandina, Florida at age 84 (Sept.30, 2012).
Started her skating career at age 7 at the Minto Skating Club. At the age of ten, was the youngest Canadian to pass the gold figures test.
Became the first female skater to land a double Lutz jump in competition at age 13.
Was Junior Figure Skating Champion of Canada (1940); Canadian Senior Women’s Champion (1944-1948); North-American championships (1945-1948); won two European championships (1947-1948); two World championships (1947-1948) and an Olympic gold medal at the 5th Winter Olympic Games in St. Moritz, Switzerland on February 6, 1948.
Was on the cover of Time Magazine in 1948, four days before she won her Olympic Gold Medal.
Received the key to the City of Ottawa in 1948 upon her return from the Olympics.
Became an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1991.
In 2009, she carried the Olympic flame into the House of Commons; it was the first time an Olympic torch had entered the House of Commons.
In August 2012, came to Ottawa to open a gallery at City Hall that shows artifacts of her skating career.
Has always been involved in supporting other figure skaters through her foundation.
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