Born: 1890 (Budapest, Hungary)
Died: 1974 (Budapest, Hungary)
Biography:
Lily Kronberger (12 November 1890 – 21 May 1974), also spelled Lili Kronberger, was a Hungarian figure skater who competed during the early years of modern figure skating. She was Hungary’s first World Champion.
Kronberger was born in Budapest in 1890 as the youngest child and only daughter of Miksa Kronberger, a lumber merchant, and Janka Kreisler. From a young age, she showed a natural talent for figure skating and quickly rose through the ranks of the sport.
In 1906, at the first official World Championships to include a ladies’ event, Kronberger won a World bronze medal. She continued to excel, winning another bronze in 1907 and four consecutive gold medals from 1908 to 1911. Her incredible achievements made her the first athlete to win a world championship gold for Hungary.
One of Kronberger’s most memorable performances took place at the 1911 championship in Vienna. She caused a stir by bringing a military band along to play during her free skating program. This was highly unusual at the time, as the use of music during international figure skating competitions was rare. Kronberger’s performance included a clear interpretation of the music she used, showcasing her technical skill and artistic flair.
After the 1911 championship, Kronberger decided to retire from competition. She married Imre Szent-Györgyi and passed the baton to Opika Méray Horváth, ensuring the continuation of Hungary’s presence in figure skating.
Kronberger’s impact on the sport was widely recognized, and she received several honors for her accomplishments. In 1983, she was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. In 1997, she was posthumously inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame, further solidifying her status as a pioneer in the sport.
Lily Kronberger passed away in Budapest in 1974 at the age of 83. Her legacy lives on as a trailblazer for Hungarian figure skating and an inspiration for future generations of athletes.
Awards:
– World Championships: Gold (1908, 1909, 1910, 1911), Bronze (1906, 1907)
– Hungarian Championships: Gold (1908, 1909, 1910)