This Day in History February 6, 1948

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This is especially for my Canadian followers (but I find it very interesting as well!).  It was on this date in 1948 that Barbara Ann Scott, a Canadian, won the gold medal in the winter Olympics for figure skating.  She was the first Canadian in history to win gold in this sport.

She was born in Ottowa May 9, 1928, and at the age of 9, she began a grueling 7-hour per day practice regimen.  She went on to win several titles, including the youngest Canadian ever to win gold for figures (all before the Olympics).  She skated that day very carefully due to minor dents and cracks from the previous night's men's ice hockey championships.

Upon winning, she was hailed as a celebrity.  In addition to receiving a car, she also was named Canada's athlete of the year in 1945, 1947, and 1948.  She went on to be a professional ice skater in the Hollywood Ice Revues from 1949-1954.  Upon retirement, she became and equestrian, and in her mid-40's, she became one of the tops in the U.S.  In 1995, she was inducted into the Canada Sports Hall of Fame, and in 1991, she was made an officer in the Order of Canada.

For more information, please check out:
http://www.heroines.ca/history/scott.html
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/barbara-ann-scott
http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/298314
http://canadachannel.ca/HCO/index.php/Barbara_Anne_Scott_Wins_Olympic_Gold_Medal_at_St._Moritz