Winners: Karen Magnussen, Figure Skating
1973 - Feature Story
Karen Magnussen overcame physical and competitive adversity to stand atop the medal podium at the 1973 World Figure Skating Championships in Bratislava. In 1969 North Vancouver’s Magnussen, defending national women’s champion, fractured both legs and missed the entire competition season. But a year later she regained her national title and in 1971 she earned a Bronze medal at the World Figure Skating Championships in Lyon, France. Magnussen possessed outstanding artistry and athleticism, but the sport’s emphasis on compulsory figures favoured technically proficient skaters. Despite outstanding free skating performances, Magnussen only earned Silver medals at both the 1972 World Figure Skating Championships in Calgary and at the 1972 Olympic Winter Games in Sapporo, where she was the only Canadian Olympic medallist. A new marking system was introduced in 1973, and Magnussen flourished, captivating the world with her jumps, spins and performance to win the World title.
Career Highlights
- 1973 Bobbie Rosenfeld Award (Canada’s female athlete of the year)
- 1973 World Figure Skating Champion in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia.
- 1972 Silver medal at the Olympic Winter Games in Sapporo
- 1971 North American Figure Skating Champion in Peterborough, Ontario.
- 1968, 1970-1973 Canadian Figure Skating Champion
Paperweight from the World Championships in Calgary.
Date: 1972
Collection: Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
Karen Magnussen received the souvenir medal from the 1972 Olympic Winter Games in Sapporo.
Date: 1972
Collection: Canada's Sports Hall of Fame