Born: 1951 (Vienna, Austria)
Biography:
Beatrix Trixi Schuba, born on April 15, 1951, in Vienna, Austria, is a former competitive figure skater who made her mark in the world of ladies’ singles. With an impressive list of achievements, she is considered one of the best compulsory figure skaters in the history of the sport.
Trixi Schuba’s interest in figure skating was sparked at a young age in 1955 when she stumbled upon an American competition on television. Her parents had bought the television to watch performances of the Vienna State Opera and the Burgtheater. Fascinated by the grace and skill of the skaters, she knew she had found her calling. Under the guidance of coach Helmut Seibt from 1955 to 1962 and later Leopold Linhart, she honed her skills and developed her unique style.
At the age of sixteen, Schuba had her first major success, winning the ladies’ singles portion of the Austrian Championships in 1967. This triumph marked the beginning of an extraordinary run, as she went on to defend her title five consecutive times. Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, Schuba steadily improved, consistently placing in the top five at international competitions.
In 1971 and 1972, Schuba’s talent and hard work paid off as she became the European champion for two consecutive years. Building on this success, she went on to win not one, but two World Championships in the same period. These victories cemented her reputation as a dominant force in figure skating.
However, it was at the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan, that Schuba achieved her greatest triumph. Displaying exceptional skill and precision in the compulsory figures, she secured the gold medal, becoming the first Austrian lady since Herma Szabo in 1924 to achieve this honor. The scoring system used at the time placed more weight on figures, favoring Schuba’s exemplary performance in this aspect of the competition. Meanwhile, Janet Lynn of the United States, known for her exceptional free skating, claimed first place in that phase. In the end, Schuba walked away with the gold, with Karen Magnussen of Canada earning the silver and Lynn the bronze.
Following her success at the Olympics, Schuba continued her winning streak and defended her title at the World Championships just a month later. She outperformed her rivals, including Magnussen and Lynn, solidifying her status as the world’s top figure skater that year. The accomplishment earned her the title of Athlete of the Year for 1972, as recognized by sportswriters.
After retiring from competitive skating, Schuba transitioned into the professional realm, joining the iconic shows Ice Follies and Holiday on Ice for six years. Following her time in the spotlight, she embarked on a career in the insurance industry, which she has pursued to the present day. In addition to her insurance work, Schuba remains involved in various sports organizations in Austria, showcasing her ongoing commitment to the world of sports.
Trixi Schuba’s impact on figure skating extends beyond her achievements on the ice. She remains an inspirational figure for aspiring athletes, especially young women, showing them that with talent, dedication, and perseverance, they can break barriers and achieve greatness in any field.
Awards:
– Six-time Austrian national champion (1967-1972)
– Two-time European champion (1971, 1972)
– Two-time World champion (1971, 1972)
– 1972 Olympic champion