Karl Schäfer (figure skater)

Karl Schäfer (28 May 1909 – 23 April 1976) was an Austrian figure skater, swimmer, and swimming coach. He was one of the most dominant figure skaters of the pre-World War II era.

Figure Skating Career:

Schäfer achieved unparalleled success in men's singles figure skating. He won two Olympic gold medals, at the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid and the 1936 Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. He also secured seven consecutive World Championships titles from 1930 to 1936, and eight consecutive European Championships titles from 1929 to 1936. His consistent performance and innovative skating style established him as a pioneer in the sport. He is credited with popularizing the "Schäfer jump," though the exact jump referred to varies depending on the source, and it is sometimes conflated with a toe loop jump.

Swimming Career:

Prior to his figure skating fame, Schäfer was also a successful swimmer. He competed in the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, representing Austria in swimming events. This dual athletic prowess highlighted his exceptional versatility and dedication to sport.

Post-Competitive Life:

After retiring from competitive skating, Schäfer remained involved in the sport, teaching and coaching. He moved to the United States and continued to influence figure skating through his expertise. He passed away in Vienna, Austria, in 1976.

Legacy:

Karl Schäfer's remarkable achievements solidified his place as one of the greatest figure skaters in history. His dominance in the sport during the 1930s set a new standard for excellence, and his contributions continue to be recognized and celebrated in the figure skating world. His Olympic and World Championship records speak to his extraordinary talent and dedication.