The Best Female Figure Skaters of All Time

The Best Female Figure Skaters of All Time

Celebrating the Unforgettable Achievements of Figure Skating’s Greatest Women!

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Let’s face it - some of the greatest women skaters have dazzled us with skill, grace and unforgettable performances throughout the history of figure skating. Whether you're a fan, a skater or part of a skating family, this quick guide celebrates the legends who’ve defined the sport and inspired millions. ✨

Top 10 Best Female Figure Skaters

Our countdown of the top 10 best female figure skaters takes you through decades of iconic performances. Organised chronologically, this list highlights how each skater shaped the sport with their talent and determination.

(Plus, we’ve included clothing from our collections that we think reflects their look and spirit!)

1. Sonja Henie (1920's–1930's)

Sonja Henie was a Norwegian skater who became one of the first true superstars in figure skating. She won three Olympic gold medals and 10 World Championships, setting records that still stand today! Henie’s glamorous performances made figure skating popular worldwide and her shorter skirts changed skating fashion forever

Recreate Henie’s Style: Our high-performance skating skirts give a nod to Henie’s unique figure skating fashion statements!

Womens Fierce Figure Skating Skirt in Black - Chique Sport

2. Peggy Fleming (1960's)

Peggy Fleming brought elegance back to figure skating during the 1960s. She won gold at the 1968 Winter Olympics and three World Championships, standing out with her smooth approach to skating. Fleming’s talent inspired a new wave of love for the sport at a time when it was losing attention.

Recreate Fleming’s Style: Try our sleek skating dresses for a simple and elegant look that reflects Femling’s style. 

Womens Ignite Figure Skating Dress in Spice - Chique Sport

3. Dorothy Hamill (1970's)

Dorothy Hamill captured hearts with her gold-medal performance at the 1976 Winter Olympics. Known for her energy and creativity, she introduced the famous “Hamill Camel” spin and set trends with her signature bob haircut! Hamill’s relatable charm made her one of the most popular skaters of her time.

Recreate Hamill’s Style: Our comfy and classic skating leotards mirror Hamill’s timeless and effortless fashion taste.

Womens Pheonix Figure Skating Leotard in Black - Chique Sport

4. Katarina Witt (1980's)

Katarina Witt ruled the ice in the 1980s with her confident and bold performances. She won two Olympic gold medals and four World Championships, bringing drama and excitement to every routine. Witt’s daring costumes and theatrical routines proved skating could be as entertaining as it was competitive.

Recreate Witt’s Style: Our trendy Amethyst Figure Skating Collection is made for skaters who love to stand out like Katarina!

Womens Ignite Long Sleev Crop Top in Ameythyst - Chique Sport

5. Kristi Yamaguchi (1992)

Kristi Yamaguchi made history as the first Asian-American woman to win Olympic gold in figure skating, taking the title in 1992. With her calm and elegant style, she also claimed two World Championships! Yamaguchi inspired skaters everywhere to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.

Recreate Yamaguchi’s Style: Our performance skating jackets are practical take on the classy skating style of Kristi.

Womens Perform to Win Figure Skating Coat - Chique Sport

6. Michelle Kwan (1990's–2000's)

Michelle Kwan was the face of figure skating for more than a decade. She won five World Championships and two Olympic medals, all thanks to her smooth and skillful performances. Kwan’s consistency and poise made her one of the most loved and respected skaters in history.

Recreate Kwan’s Style: Clothing from our new Phoenix Collection reflects Kwan’s timeless, professional look.

Womens Pheonix Figure Skating Leggings in Black - Chique Sport

7. Sarah Hughes (2002)

Sarah Hughes became an instant star when she won Olympic gold in 2002. Her lively skating and fearless approach helped her shine on the world stage. Hughes’ surprising victory showed that anything is possible with confidence and determination!

Recreate Hughes’ Style: Our flexible figure skating leggings capture her upbeat personality — great for skaters who love to move without restriction.

Womens On-Ice Empower Figure Skating Leggings in Fucshia - Chique Sport

8. Tessa Virtue (2000's–2010's)

Tessa Virtue, along with her partner Scott Moir, wowed fans with their seamless ice-dance routines. Together, they won two Olympic gold medals and multiple World Championships. Virtue’s connection with audiences and elegant moves helped make ice dancing more popular than ever.

Recreate Virtue’s Style: Our dynamic figure skating catsuits and shortsuits reflect her blend of elegance and practicality!

Womens Iconic Figure Skating Catsuit in Black - Chique Sport

9. Yuna Kim (2010's)

Yuna Kim, also known as “Queen Yuna,” is one of the most admired female figure skaters in history. She won Olympic gold in 2010 with a near-perfect routine and added silver in 2014. Her calm approach to skating inspired millions of fans and skaters around the world.

Recreate Kim’s Style: Take a leaf out of Kim’s book and keep your skating style relaxed, with a figure skating sweatshirt that can be used both on and off the ice.

Womens Cropped Figure Skating Sweatshirt in Swirl - Chique Sport

10. Alina Zagitova (2018)

Alina Zagitova became one of the youngest Olympic champions ever when she won gold in 2018. Known for her fierce determination and technical skill, Zagitova brought energy and precision to every routine, inspiring a new generation of skaters.

Recreate Zagitova’s Style: Our figure skating sports bras are perfect for energetic performances from skaters like Zagitova!

Womens Ignite Figure Skating Sports Bra in Truffle - Chique Sport

Shaping the Next Generation of Female Figure Skaters

The women on this list have set the standard for excellence in figure skating, inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps - here at Chique Sport, we are committed to supporting this next wave of female skaters!

We work with incredible athletes like Maé-Bérénice Méité, Loena Hendrickx and Natasha McKay, who trust our clothing to help them perform at their best. These skaters represent the future of the sport, and we’re proud to be part of their journey.

Are you ready to make history on the ice? Explore our collection of figure skating clothing and let us help you reach your full potential! 😊

SHOP WOMENS FIGURE SKATING CLOTHING

FAQs

While opinions differ, skaters like Sonja Henie and Michelle Kwan are often celebrated as the greatest. Henie dominated early competitive skating with her record-breaking wins, while Kwan’s consistency and grace inspired generations during her decade-long career at the top.

Champions are judged based on technical elements, like jumps, spins and footwork, and presentation, which includes choreography and musical interpretation. Points are awarded under the International Judging System (IJS) for difficulty, execution, and overall performance. Read our blog on Figure Skating Scoring Systems for more info!

Chique Sport clothing is designed for practice, offering comfort and flexibility so you can focus on perfecting your moves. While it’s not competition wear, our stylish designs are perfect for training sessions and off-ice routines, ensuring you look and feel your best.

Practice regularly, focus on building strong basic skating skills and stay passionate about your goals! Wear comfortable, high-quality clothing like Chique Sport to support your training, and always remember that progress takes time. Believe in yourself and enjoy every moment on the ice.

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