Black Figure Skaters in History - Chique Sport

Famous Black Figure Skaters in History

Celebrating the Lasting Legacy of Black Figure Skaters throughout time

10 Black Figure Skaters in History

From those who broke down barriers to today’s inspiring stars, this roundup highlights 10 Black figure skaters who have made a lasting impact on the sport. Arranged chronologically, it starts with the pioneers from earlier years and moves toward today’s current athletes.

Let’s get started!

Mabel Fairbanks

Born 1915, Died 2001

Mabel Fairbanks kicks off our countdown, and who better than one of the pioneering Black figure skaters from the 1930s to the 1950s? Fairbanks is known as one of the first skaters to overcome racial discrimination in the sport, and was the first Black woman to be inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1997.

Here’s a snapshot of her figure skating journey:

She fell in love with ice skating in New York, after watching skaters at Rockefeller Center. Yet, when she tried to join local rinks, she faced rejection because of her race. Undeterred, she practised at community rinks.

Mabel couldn’t compete in official events, so she found her place performing for Black audiences across the United States and beyond. Her shows brought a new sense of style and flair to the ice, captivating audiences everywhere she went.

She became a mentor to future champions. In the 1960s, she began coaching skaters like Tai Babilonia and Atoy Wilson, who went on to make history as U.S. national champions.

Atoy Wilson

Born 1952

Atoy Wilson is the next Black figure skater on our list - he holds a special place in figure skating history. In 1965, he became the first African American skater to win a U.S. national title, a monumental achievement that broke down racial barriers in the competitive skating world.

Here’s some insight into his figure skating career:

He made history at just 13 years old when he won the U.S. National Juvenile Championship in 1965, becoming the first Black skater to hold a national title. This win marked a turning point in the sport.

Atoy faced extra scrutiny as a young Black skater training at the Los Angeles Figure Skating Club, where he was one of the few skaters of colour. He spoke about the pressure to prove himself and the need to work harder to be accepted on the ice.

He thrived with guidance of his coach Mabel Fairbanks. She believed in his potential and taught him how to navigate the challenges of a sport that wasn't always welcoming.

Tai Babilonia

Born 1959

Tai Babilonia made history as a figure skating star during a time when diversity in the sport was rare, especially in pairs skating. Born in Los Angeles with Filipino, Native American and African American heritage, she and her partner Randy Gardner became known as the iconic duo “Tai and Randy!”

Here’s how Tai made her mark in the figure skating world:

She dominated U.S. pairs skating with Randy Gardner. Together, they won five U.S. national titles starting in 1976 and became world champions in 1979 (the second-ever U.S. pair to win the World Championship).

An injury cut short their Olympic dream. At the 1980 Winter Olympics, Randy suffered a severe groin injury right before their short program, forcing them to withdraw.

Tai and Randy enjoyed a long professional skating career, performing until 2008 when Randy’s neck problems led to their retirement.

Debi Thomas

Born 1967

Debi Thomas made figure skating history in the 1980s, balancing elite competition with academic achievement. Growing up in San Jose, California, she started skating at age 5, training at the Redwood City Ice Rink under coach Alex McGowan. After retiring from the ice, Debi became an orthopaedic surgeon - specialising in hip and knee surgery! 🏥

Here’s some highlights from Debi's skating career:

She made history at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Debi earned a bronze medal in Calgary, becoming the first African American to medal at the Winter Olympics. Audiences around the world were entertained by her rivalry with Katarina Witt, known as the “Battle of the Carmens”.

She balanced skating with studies at Stanford. Competing at the highest levels while pursuing an engineering degree, Debi juggled training with her coursework, proving that athletes could excel in both sports and academics.

She brought a bold style to the ice. Known for her powerful performances, Debi became the first African American woman to win the U.S. National Championship in 1986, taking the title twice.

Rory Flack

Born 1969

Next on this list is Rory Flack - a dynamic figure skate known for pushing boundaries with bold performances. Raised in Alaska and later training in Washington, Rory’s skating journey took her from local rinks to the professional stage, and she now coaches young skaters.

Here’s a snapshot of her figure skating journey:

She made history with her daring backflip. Rory was the first African American woman to perform a backflip in professional competition — a banned move in Olympic skating, celebrated for its difficulty.

She shined in professional ice shows. After her competitive career, Rory starred in productions like Disney on Ice and Stars on Ice, bringing her unique style to audiences worldwide.

She promotes diversity through coaching. Rory founded the “Color of Ice” tour to feature skaters from diverse backgrounds, providing opportunities and mentoring the next generation of skaters.

Surya Bonaly

Born 1973

Surya Bonaly is a French figure skater known for her defiance of tradition and daring performances. Raised in Nice, she became a global icon for her powerful jumps and attitude on the ice. Presently, she is active in the US skating world as a coach and has participated in shows like Champions on Ice and Holiday on Ice! ⛸️

Here’s how Surya shaped her place in figure skating history:

She made history with her iconic backflip. At the 1998 Winter Olympics, Surya performed a backflip landed on one blade — a banned move in competition. This was her way of making a statement against the unfair judging system.

She faced challenges with judges throughout her career. Despite her skill, Surya struggled with scoring, as judges preferred traditional classical styles rather than her powerful and somewhat unconventional routines.

She was a consistent champion. Surya dominated the European scene, winning five consecutive European Championships from 1991 to 1995! She also earned three World Championship silver medals in 1993, 1994 and 1995.

Robin Szolkowy

Born 1979

Robin Szolkowy, born to a Tanzanian father and German mother, became one of the most successful pairs skaters in history. As a mixed-race athlete in the European skating scene, he helped bring global attention to pairs skating in Germany. After retiring from figure skating in 2014, Robin transitioned to coaching, mentoring young skaters across Europe.

Here’s a little historical insight into his early skating years:

He dominated the World and European Championships. Robin’s partnership with Aliona Savchenko began in 2003, leading to five World Championships (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014) and four European Championships (2007-2009, 2011).

He shined on the Olympic stage. Robin and Aliona won two Olympic bronze medals — at the 2010 Vancouver Games and the 2014 Sochi Games!

He felt the pressure of representation as a Black skater. As one of the few mixed race athletes in European figure skating, Robin often felt the need to prove himself and represent more than just his own success.

Vanessa James

Born 1987

Vanessa James is the next figure skater on our list, famous for her powerful performances in pairs skating! Born in Canada, she has represented France and later Canada during her career, and continues to engage with the figure skating community through workshops and special events.

Here’s a few key events that shaped her skating career:

Vanesssa made history with Randy Gardner (also on this list) becoming the first Black pair to win the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

She also achieved international success with Morgan Ciprès, winning the 2019 European Championship and a bronze medal at the 2018 World Championships.

Her free skate wowed at the 2018 World Championships, where she and Morgan delivered a near-flawless routine that earned a standing ovation.

Maé-Bérénice Méité

Born 1994

Born in Paris, Maé-Bérénice Méité is famous in the world for modern figure skating for her powerful jumps. We think she's a very special talent - that's why she's one of our brand ambassadors! She’s had to focus on recovery after a serious Achilles tendon injury that took her out of competition for the 2021 World Championships, but we’re confident she’ll have a strong comeback 💪

Here’s a few skating facts about Maé-Bérénice:

She is a French national champion. Maé-Bérénice has won the French National Championship six times!

Her figure skating jumps are among the best. Known for her explosive power, Maé-Bérénice consistently lands difficult jumps like the triple axel, which many skaters find challenging.

She is a modern voice for diversity in skating. During the Black Lives Matter movement, she used her platform to advocate for more representation and share her experiences.

Starr Andrews

Born 2001

Finishing our list is Starr Andrews - one of the most recent rising stars in figure skating. Born in Los Angeles, she’s famous for her on-ice performances and off-ice social media presence. She has quickly become a standout performer, and is training to compete at high national and international level competitions.

Here’s a snapshot of her figure skating journeys so far:

She made history with a Grand Prix medal. In 2022, Starr became the first Black U.S. figure skater to win a medal at an ISU Grand Prix event, earning silver at Skate Canada.

She's a social media STAR! Starr first gained widespread attention in 2010 when a video of her skating to Willow Smith’s “Whip My Hair” went viral.

Starr is a role model for young skaters, sharing her challenges and advocating that she’s skating for “every other little girl, boy or any African American out there who thinks they can’t do it.”

Breathing Modern Life into Figure Skating

That concludes our roundup of famous Black Figure Skaters in History! 🌟

These incredible skaters have brought energy, style and a whole lot of heart to figure skating, shaking up the sport in the best way possible. We’re sure you’ll agree that their stories deserve to be celebrated — not just during Black History Month, but all year round.

Their achievements remind us of how far the sport has come and how much further it can go. At Chique Sport, we’re all about embracing that progress, creating clothing that meets the needs of today’s skaters. With a fresh, modern take, our gear is designed to help skaters feel and look their best on and off the ice.

BROWSE THE RANGE 🛒

FAQs

Who was the first Black figure skater?

Mabel Fairbanks is widely recognised as the first Black figure skater. She began skating in the 1930s in the United States, despite being excluded from competitions due to racial discrimination. Instead, she performed in ice shows and later became a respected coach, paving the way for future generations of Black skaters.

Who was the first Black figure skater to win gold?

Atoy Wilson became the first Black skater to win a U.S. national title in 1965 when he won the U.S. National Juvenile Championship. However, Debi Thomas made history in 1986 as the first Black figure skater to win a gold medal at the World Figure Skating Championships.

How has figure skating become more inclusive in recent years?

Figure skating has become more inclusive through increased representation and visibility of skaters from diverse backgrounds, such as those from Black and other minority communities. Social media has helped amplify their stories, while organisations and initiatives within the sport have focused on promoting diversity, offering scholarships and creating opportunities for underrepresented skaters.

What are some ways to support diversity in figure skating?

Supporting diversity in figure skating includes amplifying the voices of skaters of colour, supporting scholarships and programmes that provide access to underrepresented communities, and encouraging skating clubs to be welcoming and inclusive. Attending events, supporting skaters' journeys, and advocating for change in judging and representation can help create a more inclusive environment in the sport.