1976 Barbie Smith LP (first Amer. 2 triples) US Nationals

The greatest skating voice that was never heard!!

A photo montage to commentary.
Barbie lands two triple jumps here, in a delightful free program to Jonathan Livingston Seagull...I consider it the quintessential 70's free program!! She was one of those rare individuals who skated with ecstatic delight.....transending the ice to create a beautiful moment of edging and music!! An ice angel!!!

What a difference to a career if she had been named to the Olympic team!

She had injury problems, and developed an ulcer, finally deciding to leave skating, after a 4th at 1977 Worlds...which was a tremendous loss. We now know ulcers are caused by bacteria, not stress...so a little medical miracle might have saved a career.

I have no idea what happened to her. If you do, please post it....

You will notice the thank you letter I received from her when I sent her a picture that appeared in the Louisville Courier Journal, the day after she won the National Novice title in 1974. (Junior Champ in 1975). She was one of the reasons I pursued skating at the famous Paramount rink in Downey, California. (Her, and JoJo and Kenny)

Shown with Ken Newfield, a prominant National competitor from California. Coach Barbara Roles looks on!! (1962 US Champ and 1960 Olympian - Bronze)

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• figure
• skating
• 1976
• US
• Nationals
• Barbie
• Barbara
• Smith
• ladies
• LP

[domnatr91]

My mother chooses not to speak to anybody. she says that she fears for myself and for my sister. she is currently fighting M.S. im probably going to get introuble for even posting this but i think that people deserve some closure.

[k9henrydog]

Well, we will all add her to our pray lists anyway. A great many people have a concern for her, and wish her well. MS is as difficult a challenge as her skating career was, and it is always hard for any athlete to lose body skills.....I know that from my cancer recovery. Fame is difficult to handle, and her response to it should be 'her' choice.....and respected. But please, be well. and our best wishes always Rick

[k9henrydog]

Barbie Smith!! If you happen to view this page......please contact me here at YOUTUBE. I have a list of 5 people who are very interested in contacting and connecting with you!! best wishes

[sstropoli]

I skated at the Iceland skating rink in Paramount, CA during the late 60's until 1970. I was 10 years old and competed against Barbie Smith and placed 1st. Would you have any information on video or audio of the competition? It was June 1, 1970; Pre-preliminary Girls C division. Thank you. Donna

[k9henrydog]

Gosh, no Donna...sorry! I will check my old SKATING magazines from that time. If it was a REGIONAL competition, at least the results would be posted there. Maybe the Artic Blades Skating Club has an archive????! best wishes

[rr111160]

I knew Barbie in 1985-86 but haven't seen or heard of her since.This was in Denton,Tx but I lost track of her when I moved.If anyone knows her or of her whereabouts PLEASE post.We used to live across the street from each other and took our coffee together of a morning.I miss her terribly.

[k9henrydog]

I'll let you know as soon as i hear something. We have been encouraging skaters to post comments, and let fokes know how they are doing.....hope they all know how much they are still appreciated.......especially in view of Christopher Bowman recent, unfortunate death....!! best wishes

[cknchick]

@sstropoli I think you are looking for a date several years earlier. I skated in Southwest in 1970 as an intermediate so it would have to be at least 3 or maybe 4 years earlier. Hope it helps, Donna

[TheGraceinHim]

@domnatr91 I left you a PM please respond.

[TheGraceinHim]

Domnatr91...Please look at your private messages. I sent you one with some info for your mom. please.

[MrsRacer277]

iamtheniceone---How do you know me and my sister aepatti?

[MrsRacer277]

That would be coach! : )

[MrsRacer277]

Wow

Barbie was a great couch. Would love to hear how she is doing.

[sstropoli]

Thanks so much for the quick response. I'll keep researching. I have a great passion for ice skating. Let me know if any of your magazines have any results. My name would appear as Donna Eckles. Thank you again, for your efforts.