Born: 1902 (Vienna, Austria)
Died: 1986
Biography:
Herma Szabo (22 February 1902 – 7 May 1986) was an Austrian figure skater who made a significant mark in the history of the sport. Born in Vienna, Szabo came from a family deeply immersed in figure skating. Her mother, Christa von Szabo, was a two-time world medalist in pairs figure skating, and her uncle, Eduard Engelmann Jr., was a three-time European Champion in men’s figure skating and the builder of the first artificial ice rink.
Exposed to the sport from a young age, Szabo began practicing at her uncle’s ice rink alongside her cousins, Helene and Christine Engelmann, who would later marry Karl Schäfer, another prominent figure skater. Szabo competed under various surnames throughout her career, including von Szabó, Plank-Szabo, Planck-Szabo, Jarosz-Szabo, and Jaross-Szabo. However, the International Skating Union recognizes her accomplishments under the surname Szabo.
In 1924, Szabo achieved her greatest triumph by capturing the gold medal in ladies’ figure skating at the Winter Olympics. Her performance was not only a personal victory but also helped modernize the sport. Szabo defied tradition by wearing a skirt cut above the knee, allowing for greater freedom of movement in the legs. While Sonja Henie is often credited with pioneering short skirts in competition, Szabo’s daring choice played a crucial role in the evolution of ladies’ figure skating attire.
Following her Olympic success, Szabo continued to dominate the world stage, winning an unprecedented five consecutive world titles in ladies’ singles from 1922 to 1926. With this achievement, she joined an elite group of skaters consisting of Sonja Henie, Carol Heiss, and Michelle Kwan, as one of only four women to have captured the World title five times. A true pioneer, Szabo also ventured into pairs figure skating, partnering with Ludwig Wrede. Together, they secured two world titles in 1925 and 1927 while placing third in 1926. Notably, she remains the only skater to hold simultaneous world titles in both singles and pairs.
Szabo’s impact on the sport went beyond her competitive success. Her revolutionary approach to figure skating attire, coupled with her technical prowess and artistry, helped shape the future of women’s figure skating. Her achievements, both as a singles skater and a pairs skater, solidify her place as one of the most decorated figure skaters of all time.
Retiring from competitive skating in 1927, Szabo’s departure from the sport was marked by controversy. At the World Championships that year, she was defeated by Sonja Henie, a result that raised eyebrows due to the composition of the judging panel. With three Norwegians, a German, and an Austrian on the panel, the three Norwegian judges placed Henie first, while the German and Austrian judges favored Szabo. Disillusioned with the sport, Szabo chose not to participate in a rematch offered by Henie later on.
Despite her abrupt retirement, Szabo’s legacy remains indelible. Her talent, innovation, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of figure skating continue to inspire generations of skaters. Herma Szabo will forever be remembered as a trailblazer and a true icon in the annals of women’s figure skating.
Awards:
– 1924 Olympic gold medalist in ladies’ figure skating
– Five-time World Champion in ladies’ singles (1922–1926)
– Two-time World Champion in pairs figure skating with Ludwig Wrede (1925, 1927)