Born: 1898 (Berlin, Germany)
Biography:
Charlotte Oelschlägel, also known as Charlotte Hayward, was a German professional skater who made significant contributions to the world of figure skating. Born on August 14, 1898, in Berlin, Charlotte became renowned for her innovative techniques and mesmerizing performances. Throughout her career, she was known simply by her first name, Charlotte.
Besides her achievements in figure skating, Charlotte was also a talented musician. At the age of seven, she showcased her musical abilities by performing on stage with the Berlin Philharmonic. Charlotte was skilled in playing various instruments, including the mandolin, lute, harp, and piano.
Unfortunately, when Charlotte was ten years old, she began experiencing nervous and growth-related issues. Medications failed to provide relief, and it was recommended that she take up figure skating as a form of therapy. Little did she know that this suggestion would shape her entire life.
Charlotte Oelschlägel’s passion for figure skating led her to partner with her brother Fritz initially. However, she soon began training under the guidance of coach Paul Münder. It was during this time that she started using her first name as her stage name, solidifying her unique presence in the world of figure skating.
In 1915, Charlotte achieved another notable milestone by becoming the first performer to star in a Broadway ice show. She captivated audiences with her extraordinary skills in the production Hip-Hip-Hooray! at the New York Hippodrome. Additionally, she made history in the world of cinema as the first skater to star in a motion picture, appearing in the American drama film The Frozen Warning in 1917.
Renowned figure skater writer and historian Ellyn Kestnbaum describes Charlotte as someone who brought skating into the realm of popular entertainment in the early twentieth century. Through her performances, she brought a new level of femininity and spectacle to the ice, captivating audiences worldwide.
In the 1920s, Charlotte Oelschlägel collaborated with her husband, fellow figure skater Curt Neumann, to develop two groundbreaking elements in figure skating. They introduced the death spiral, a move that combined speed, precision, and grace, and the Charlotte spiral, also known as the fadeout. The Charlotte spiral involved leaning the upper body towards the skating foot while lifting the free leg to an impressive 180 degrees. These moves revolutionized figure skating by showcasing the remarkable flexibility and artistic expression unique to the female physique.
In 1929, Charlotte made her final appearance in the United States in Cincinnati, Ohio. Unfortunately, her professional career came to an abrupt end in 1939 due to the onset of World War II. The Nazis confiscated her passport, preventing her from continuing her career on an international scale. However, Charlotte persevered and dedicated herself to coaching at the Grunewalder TC club after the war. She finally retired in 1976, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
Charlotte Oelschlägel’s remarkable contributions to figure skating did not go unnoticed. In recognition of her groundbreaking achievements, she was posthumously inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1985. Her impact on the sport and her role in shaping early-twentieth-century entertainment make her a significant figure in women’s history.
Awards:
– Inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1985