16 Most Famous Olympic Figure Skaters

Michelle Kwan captivated audiences for over a decade with her remarkable skating skills, earning a place among the most iconic figures in the sport's history.

She has transcended figure skating and captured the hearts of fans worldwide to become an iconic figure in the sport. 

Kwan's individual accolades include:

• 5 World Championships (1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003)
• 9 U.S. Championships (1996, 1998-2005): Tying Maribel Vinson's record for the most wins in the competition's history.
• 2 Olympic Medals:
  • Silver Medal at the1998 Nagano Olympics: 
  • Bronze Medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics
• 9 World Championship Medals: The most of any American figure skater across all disciplines
• Gold at the 1995-96 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final and GP Nationals Cup
• 7 Gold at the GP skate America(1996-1998, 2000-2003)
• 3 Gold at GP Skate Canada(1996, 1998, 2000)

Peggy Fleming is a name synonymous with elegance, grace, and athleticism on the ice.

The San Jose, California, native's rise to fame was meteoric, she began skating at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her talent and artistry.

Her dedication to the sport led to numerous achievements, including:

• 1968 Olympic Gold Medal: A historic victory that cemented her status as a global star.
• 3 World Championships: 1966, 1967, and 1968, and one bronze at the 1965 Championships
• 5 U.S. Championships: 1964-1968, silver in 1962 and bronze in 1963
• 1967 North American Champion, silver in 1965.

She has been inducted into numerous Halls of Fame, including the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame and the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame. Her success paved the way for other female athletes to pursue their dreams.

Fleming's elegant style and captivating smile earned her the nickname "America's Sweetheart." 

Brian Boitano is a legend in figure skating, captivating audiences with his athleticism, artistry, and undeniable charisma.

The Mountain View, California, native etched his name in history with his dazzling performances, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire aspiring figure skating athletes.

Numerous triumphs mark Boitano's career, each a testament to his dedication and exceptional talent:

• 1988 Olympic Gold Medal: Solidifying his position as one of the best figure skaters of his generation.
• 2 World Championships (1986 & 1988)
• 4 U.S. National Championships (1985-1988)
• 2 Skate America(1984 & 1987) and one Skate Canada gold 1983

Patrick Chan mesmerized audiences with his graceful footwork, mesmerizing jumps, and undeniable passion for over a decade. 

The Ottawa, Ontario, native's journey to becoming one of the most decorated figure skaters in history is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and unwavering determination.

His exceptional figure skating skills went far beyond mere technical prowess. He was a master of artistry, weaving together technical mastery with graceful movements.

Chan's trophy case boasts an impressive array of medals and titles, each a testament to his exceptional talent:

• Gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics(team event) and 2 silver in 2014(team and singles) 
• 3 World Championships: 2011, 2012, and 2013.
• 10 Canadian National Championships(2008-2014, 2016-2018)
• 3 gold(2009, 2012, 2016) at the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships
• 6 gold at the GP Skate Canada(2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017)

The 2011 Lou Marsh Trophy (now known as the Northern Star Award) winner's career is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering passion for one's craft. 

Carol Heiss was a legendary figure skater whose dazzling performances and infectious smile captivated audiences worldwide. 

The New York City native has been inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame and the United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame. 

She began skating at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her exceptional talent and graceful style. She was known for her trademark "Heiss jump," a double axel with a half loop.

Her skating skills were not just breathtaking to watch, but also a testament to her dedication and hard work.  Her numerous achievements include:

• 1960 Olympic Gold Medal: A historic victory in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, and silver at the 1956 Olympics. 
• 5 World Championships(1956-1960), silver in 1955
• 2 North American Championships(1957, 1959) and two silver(1953, 1955)
• 4 U.S. Championships gold(1957-1960) and 4 silver(1953-1956)

Richard Button, known as "Dick", was an American figure skater who dominated the sport in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

He was a true pioneer, pushing the boundaries of the sport and inspiring generations of skaters with his talent, dedication, and innovative spirit.

Following his retirement, Button became a popular skating commentator and television personality, bringing the sport to a wider audience. His career is marked by remarkable achievements such as.

• 2 Olympic Gold Medals(1948 & 1952)
• 5 World Championships(1948 - 1952) and one silver in 1947
• 1948 European Championships gold medal
• 3 North American Championships(1947, 1949, 1951)
• 7 U.S. Championships gold(1946-1952)
• The first skater to land a double Axel and a triple jump (a triple loop).
• He is the only male skater to hold the National, North American, European, World, and Olympics titles simultaneously. 

Button's mastery of the technical skills such as the revolutionary triple loop he pioneered was the combination of his technical prowess and artistry.

Dorothy Hamill is remembered for her grace, elegance, and positive spirit, captivating audiences both on and off the ice.

The Chicago, Illinois, native was inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2000. She was inducted into the US Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1991. 

Her charisma and popularity helped bring the sport to a wider audience, inspiring a new generation of skaters.

Her career was marked with numerous accolades, each a testament to her dedication and exceptional talent:

• Olympic Champion 1976
• 1976 World Champion, two silver in 1974 and 1975
• 3 U.S National Championships (1974–1976)
• World Professional Champion (1983–1987)

Dorothy was the inventor of the "Hamill Camel", a back camel spin that seamlessly transitions into a back sit spin.

Due to evolving scoring systems, the Hamill Camel remains a unique and graceful move admired for its historical significance and influence on spin development.

Kristi Yamaguchi known for her signature triple axel jump transitioned to professional skating after her Olympic victory, performing in shows and ice extravaganzas.

The Hayward, California, native had exceptional edge control which allowed her to glide across the ice with effortless grace. Her jumps, including her signature triple axel, were powerful and elegant, showcasing her remarkable athleticism and technical prowess.

Yamaguchi was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame and the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame. Her career includes the following awards and accolades. 

• 1992 Olympic Gold Medal
• 2 World Championships(1991 & 1992)
• GP Nations Cup, GP Skate America, and the Goodwill Games championship in 1991
• 1992 U.S. Champion
• 1989 and 1990 pairs U.S. Championships with 1987 World Champion Rudy Galindo 
• Professional Career gold
  • Challenge of Champions(1993, 1994)
  • Gold Championships (1995-1997)
  • Ice Wars(1995, 1996, 2000, 2002)
  • Rock 'N' Roll Championships 1997
  • World Professional Championships (1993, 1995, 1997,1998)

Scott Hamilton's journey from a young boy with a dream to an Olympic champion is one of triumph and resilience that continues to inspire generations.

Hamilton possessed exceptional edge control, allowing him to glide across the ice with effortless grace, his movements flowing seamlessly from one element to the next. 

He overcame challenges and obstacles, using them as fuel to reach the pinnacle of his sport. Here are the medals won by Hamilton during his skating career. 

• 1984 Olympic Gold Medal
• 4 World Championships(1981-1984)
• 3-time Skate America Champion(1980, 1982, 1983)
• 1981 Skate Canada Champion
• 4 U.S. Championships(1981-1984)

Katarina Witt, the "Iron Gustav" of figure skating, captivated audiences with her unparalleled grace, athleticism, and captivating stage presence.

Her journey from a young East German prodigy to a two-time Olympic champion cemented her place as one of the most iconic figures in the sport's history.

Coming from East Germany, she became a symbol of unity with performances infused with emotion and storytelling, paving the way for a new era of artistic expression in figure skating.

Here are the medals WItt won:

• 2 Olympic Gold Medals(1984 & 1988)
• 4 World Championships(1984, 1985, 1987, 1988) and two silvers in 1982 and 1986
• 6 European Championships(1983-1988) and one silver in 1982
• Skate Canada in 1984
• 8 East German Figure Skating Championships(1981-1988)

Yuzuru Hanyu, the "Ice Prince," has captivated the figure skating world with his ethereal grace, exceptional athleticism, and unwavering determination.

The Waseda University graduate's journey from a young Japanese prodigy to a two-time Olympic champion and global icon has etched his place as one of the most legendary figures in the sport's history.

His innovative jump technique, the "Hanyu Quadruple Loop," pushed the sport's boundaries of athleticism and artistry. Here are the accolades earned by Hanyu in his career. 

• 2 Olympic Gold Medals(2014 & 2018)
• 2 World Championships(2014 & 2017)
• 2020 4 Continents Championship
• 4 GP Final  victories (2014-2017)
• 6 Japan Championship victories
•  "Most Valuable Skater" at the 2020 International Skating Union Awards

Hanyu won the People's Honour Award in 2018, a prestigious Japanese award given by the Prime Minister to individuals for their achievements in sports, and entertainment.

Sonja Henie, the "Snow Queen" of figure skating, captivated audiences with her revolutionary technique, unmatched elegance, and glamorous showmanship.

The Norwegian skater's unparalleled dominance in the sport and pioneering influence on figure skating solidified her place as a cultural icon whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

Her innovative use of shorter skirts and incorporation of dance elements revolutionized the sport, making it more athletic and visually appealing. 

Here are the awards she won:

• 3 Olympic Gold Medals(1928, 1932, 1936)
• 10 World Championships(1927-1936)
• 6 European Championships(1931-1936)
• 7 Norwegian Championships(1923-1928)
• 3 Norwegian Championships paired with Arne Lie

Heine was inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1976 and the International Women's Sports Hall of Fame in 1982.

Ulrich Salchow, the "Father of Figure Skating Jumps," was a Swedish pioneer who revolutionized the sport with his innovative athleticism and groundbreaking jumping technique. 

He developed the "Salchow jump," a groundbreaking technique that introduced an innovative edge change in the air, increasing jump height and rotational speed.

He possessed remarkable strength and power, allowing him to execute jumps with impressive height and distance. 

His impressive career boasts a remarkable collection of accolades:

• 1908 Olympics gold medal
• 10 World Championships(1901-1905, 1907-1911)
• 9 European Championships(1989-1900, 1904, 1906, 1907, 1909, 1910, 1913)
• 3 Swedish Championships(1895-1897)

After retiring from figure skating he became of the International Skating Union(ISU) from 1925 to 1937. 

Gillis Grafström, the "Ice Tsar," captivated audiences with his elegant style, innovative footwork, and expressive interpretation of music.

His dominance in the sport, spanning three Olympic Games and numerous World Championships, cemented his place as one of the most iconic figure skaters of all time.

His impressive career boasts a remarkable collection of accolades:

• 3 Olympic Gold Medals(1920, 1924, 1928): The only male figure skater to win the Olympic gold.
• 3 World Championships(1922, 1924, 1929)
• 1920 Nordic Champion
• 2 Swedish Championships(1917-1919)

He is the only individual alongside Eddie Eadan to win gold at both the Summer (1920) and Winter Olympics(1924, 1928). 

He invented the Grafström-pirouette and the flying sit spin and was inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1976. 

Evgeni Plushenko is a Russian former figure skater who introduced the "quadruple jump," a technically demanding element that revolutionized the sport. 

He was the first male skater to perform the Biellmann spin in the Senior competitions. The 3 Axel - 3 Flip competition was first completed successfully in a competition by Plushenko. 

His career boasts an impressive array of accolades mentioned below:

• 2 Gold medals at the Olympics (2006 and 2014) and two silver in 2002 and 2010
• 3 World Championships(2001, 2003, 2004), one silver in 1999 and one bronze in 1998
• 7 European Championships(2000, 2001, 200, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2012)
• 4 Grand Prix Final victories(2000, 2001, 2003, 2005)
• Gold at the 2001 Goodwill Games, bronze in 1998
• 10 Russian Championships(1998-2001, 2004-2006, 2010, 2012, 2013)

Irina Rodnina, the Russian former figure skater is the only pair skater to win 10 consecutive world Championships. 

She won the 1972 Olympics, and 4 World Championships from 1969-72 paired up with Ulanov. She won 4 European Championships(1969-1972), 2 Soviet Championships(1970, 1971) and 2 Moscow Skates(1968, 1970) with Ulanov. 

In April 1972, Rodrina partnered up with Alexander Zaitsev with whom she won 2 Olympics(1976, 1980), 6 World Championships(1973-1978), 7 European Championships(1973-1978, 1980), 4 Soviet Championships(1973-1975, 1977)and one Moscow Skate(1978). 

Here are the awards she won in her skating career:

• 3 Olympic Gold Medals(1972, 1976, 1980)
• 10 World Championships(1969-78)
• 11 European championships (1969-78, 1980)
• 6 Soviet Championships(1970-75, 1977), 2 bronze in 1968 and 1969
• 3 Moscow Skate(1968, 1970, 1978)

She was inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Women's Sports Hall of Fame in 1988.