Born: 1940 (New York)
Biography:
Carol Elizabeth Heiss Jenkins was born on January 20, 1940, in New York. From an early age, Heiss demonstrated a natural talent for figure skating. At the age of six, she took to the ice, marking the beginning of a remarkable career. Under the guidance of her coach, Pierre Brunet, Heiss honed her skills and quickly rose through the ranks of amateur skating.
Heiss first gained national recognition in 1951 when she won the U.S. novice ladies’ title at the young age of 11. Building on her early success, she triumphed as the U.S. junior ladies’ champion in 1952 and made the leap to the senior level in 1953. Over the next three years, Heiss consistently placed second to Tenley Albright at the national championships.
In 1956, Heiss’s dedication and resilience led her to the Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Though she secured a remarkable silver medal, it was at the subsequent World Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, West Germany, where Heiss truly ascended to greatness. Defeating her long-time rival Albright, Heiss claimed her first World Championship title. This victory marked the beginning of an unprecedented winning streak.
Between 1957 and 1960, Carol Heiss dominated the world of women’s figure skating like no one before her. She secured the World and U.S. Champion titles each year, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with on the ice. At the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, California, Heiss reached the pinnacle of her career, winning the coveted gold medal. Her remarkable performance saw her ranked first by all nine judges.
During these years of unparalleled success, Heiss carried an additional burden. Her mother, Marie Heiss, was battling cancer, and before her passing in October 1956, she made a heartfelt request of her daughter. Marie asked Carol to win a gold medal for her, adding an emotional and powerful motivation to her already outstanding career.
Heiss left an indelible mark on women’s figure skating. Her achievements and records remain awe-inspiring. In 1960, she became one of only three women to win five consecutive World Championships, solidifying her place among the greats of the sport. Following her triumphs, Heiss chose to retire from competitive skating, leaving an unmatched legacy in her wake.
Throughout her career, Heiss defied norms and pushed the boundaries of what was possible in women’s figure skating. In 1953, she became the first female skater to successfully land a double Axel jump, showcasing her technical prowess and athletic ability. Heiss was also known for her signature move of performing a series of alternating clockwise and counterclockwise single Axels, a rarity in the sport.
Recognized for her extraordinary achievements, Carol Heiss was inducted into both the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame and the United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame. Her impact on the world of figure skating remains as influential now as ever.
Awards:
– Olympic Champion (1960)
– Olympic Silver Medalist (1956)
– Five-time World Champion (1956-1960)
– World Figure Skating Hall of Fame Inductee
– United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame Inductee