Born: 1956 (Toronto, Ontario)
Biography:
Sandra Marie Bezic, born on April 6, 1956, in Toronto, Ontario, is a prominent figure in the world of figure skating. As a Canadian pair skater, figure skating choreographer, and television commentator, her contributions have made a significant impact on the sport. Alongside her brother Val Bezic, Sandra dominated the Canadian Figure Skating Championships from 1970 to 1974, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication.
Born into a family of Croatian descent, Sandra Bezic manifested her passion for figure skating from an early age. She excelled in both national and international competitions, participating from 1967 until 1975. Their hard work and commitment to the sport resulted in a remarkable achievement during the 1972 Winter Olympics, where Sandra and Val Bezic secured ninth place. However, their journey was not without its share of challenges.
Tragedy struck during the training leading up to the 1976 Olympics when Sandra tore her ankle ligaments, forcing her to withdraw from the competition. Undeterred by this setback, she decided to embark on a new path in her skating career. Sandra turned professional in 1976, marking the beginning of her illustrious career as a choreographer.
Recognized for her exceptional talent and innovative approach, Bezic became the go-to choreographer for many Olympic and World champions. Her creative touch graced the competitive programs of renowned skaters such as Barbara Underhill and Paul Martini (1984 Worlds), Brian Boitano (1988 Winter Olympics), Kristi Yamaguchi (1992 Winter Olympics), Kurt Browning (1993 Worlds), and Tara Lipinski (1998 Winter Olympics).
Apart from her work as a choreographer, Sandra Bezic made significant contributions as a television commentator. Her profound knowledge of the sport and insightful analysis led her to be selected as a commentator for the 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014 Olympic games, as well as the World Figure Skating Championships during the early 1990s. Sandra also commentated numerous other skating events broadcasted by NBC and CBC over the years.
One of Bezic’s notable achievements was her involvement with the popular figure skating show, Stars on Ice. Serving as the director, co-producer, and choreographer, she played an integral role in its success. For her exceptional work on the show, Sandra Bezic received an Emmy Award in 2003, a testament to her incredible talent and dedication.
Known for her versatility, Bezic flexed her creative muscles beyond choreography and television work. She choreographed programs for several television figure skating specials, including the unforgettable Canvas of Ice, Carmen on Ice, and You Must Remember This.
Sandra Bezic’s contributions to the world of figure skating extend to her role as an author. She penned the book entitled The Passion to Skate, offering readers an intimate look at her journey in the sport. Her expertise and experience in the field are further reflected in her role as a judge on the CBC television program Battle of the Blades in each season.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Bezic has left a lasting impact on the sport’s history, particularly in women’s figure skating. Her dedication and commitment to her craft have paved the way for future generations of female skaters, inspiring them to reach for the stars.
In recognition of her significant contributions to the world of figure skating, Skate Canada announced on July 14, 2010, that Sandra Bezic would be inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame in the professional category. This prestigious honor solidifies her place in the annals of figure skating history and exemplifies her lasting impact on the sport.
Awards:
– Induction into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame in the professional category.