Born: 28 November 1920 (London, United Kingdom)
Died: 12 April 2008 (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
Biography:
Magdalena Cecilia Colledge (28 November 1920 – 12 April 2008) was a British figure skater who played a significant role in the development of women’s skating during the 1930s and 1940s. She was born and raised in London, where she discovered her passion for figure skating at a young age. With her extraordinary talent and innovative contributions to the sport, Colledge left a lasting impact on the figure skating world.
Colledge’s interest in skating was sparked after watching the 1928 World Championships held in London. Inspired by the performances of Sonja Henie and Maribel Vinson, who won gold and silver respectively, Colledge embarked on her own skating journey. She was just eleven years and four months old when she represented Great Britain at the 1932 Winter Olympics, becoming the youngest-ever Olympic figure skater at the time. Although she placed 8th in the event, her participation marked the beginning of a remarkable career.
Throughout her career, Colledge was coached by Eva Keats and Jacques Gerschwiler. Gerschwiler, a former gymnastics teacher, had progressive ideas about figure skating techniques and became Colledge’s primary coach. Under their guidance, Colledge developed her skills and began to make groundbreaking contributions to the sport.
In 1936, Colledge won her second national title and her second silver medal at the European Championships. It was at this event that she landed a double salchow jump, becoming the first woman to perform a double jump in competition. This achievement showcased her technical prowess and set a new standard for female skaters.
The highlight of Colledge’s career came at the 1936 Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where she won the silver medal in a closely contested competition. After the school figures section, Colledge and Henie were virtually neck and neck, with Colledge trailing by just a few points. Colledge’s exceptional performance solidified her reputation as one of the top figure skaters of her time.
In addition to her Olympic success, Colledge also had remarkable achievements at the World and European Championships. She won the silver medal at the 1935 World Championships and the 1936 European Championships. The following year, in 1937, she secured the gold medal at both the World and European Championships, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the figure skating world. Colledge continued her reign as the European Champion, securing the title from 1937 to 1939.
Colledge was not only a pioneer in jumps but also a trailblazer in spins. She is credited with inventing the camel spin and the layback spin, both of which became integral elements of women’s figure skating routines. Her innovative contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact and influenced future generations of skaters.
Outside of her skating career, Colledge led a relatively private life. She never married and had no children. Tragically, her brother Maule, who served in the Royal Air Force, died during World War II. Despite personal trials, Colledge remained dedicated to her sport and continued to compete even after the war.
Cecilia Colledge’s career came to a close in 1946 when she won her sixth and final British national title. She retired from competitive skating but stayed involved in the sport as a coach and judge. Her influence extended beyond her own competitive years, as she played a role in shaping the next generation of figure skaters.
Cecilia Colledge passed away on 12 April 2008 at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Her contributions to the world of figure skating will always be remembered, and her legacy lives on through the countless skaters she inspired.
Awards:
– 1936 Olympic Silver Medal
– 1937 World Champion
– 1937-1939 European Champion
– Six-time British national champion (1935-1939, 1946)