1895 - 1920 Ulrich Salchow WORLD CHAMPION Sweden

Ulrich combined an outstanding competitive career, with a lengthy period of volunteer and administrative service to the sport. (We had a nice post of him skating in 1910 for a long time, but it has since unfortunately been removed). With the exception of Sonja Henie of Norway, no one has compiled a greater record of competitive success. Although actually born in Denmark, he emigrated to Sweden at a young age and always competed for them. Swedish Champ in 1895, he place second at the 1897 World Championship. After seconds again in 1899 and 1900, he won his first title in 1901, followed by 9 more (1901-05, 1907-1911 -- he was injured in 1906). Also winner of 9 European titles.

He won the first Olympic men's title in London in 1908, and surprizingly was Defending champion at age 41, when the Games were resumed after World War I (placing second in figures and fourth overall). The event was won by fellow Swede Gillis Grafstrom with Norways' Andreas Krogh and Martin Stixrud 2nd and 3rd). Salchow's competitive career spanned 25 years.

Elected President of the ISU in 1925, he served until 1937, also judging....presiding over the 2nd Golden Age of skating development, which featured the skating of Sonja Henie, Karl Schafer, the Brunet's, and Maxi Herber and Ernst Bauer. He helped bring the 1932 Olympics to Lake Placid. He wrote an early skating book explaining the modern International style, with Albert Stille. Inventor of the jump that immortalized his name in skating circles. He is particularly remembered by Americans, for personally presenting one of his skating trophies to Dick Button, after Dick placed second in the 1947 Worlds with exemplary free skating, that Ulrich deemed the future of the sport. (Hans Gerschwiler of Switzerland won the event, the first held after World War 2). Ulrich died in 1949.

As I recall, Dick handed the trophy down to Michelle Kwan at some point, in the 90's.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• figure
• skating
• 1890
• 1910
• Ulrich
• Salchow
• mens
• world
• champion

[smurfiennes]

how do u pronounce his surname actually?

[k9henrydog]

Saw cow........at least that is how we say it in America.....best wishes

[nolaughingmatter]

He was so handsome!

[k9henrydog]

A bit like John Curry too, don't you think........Irving Brokaw was a bit of a looker as well.....best wishes, hope all is WAY-L.....

[serakueyar123]

:[ rip

[smurfiennes]

thanks a ton for the help :P