Jim Sladky

James Sladky (March 16, 1947 – November 9, 2017) was an American competitive ice dancer.[1] With his skating partner, Judy Schwomeyer, he became a four-time World medalist (silver in 1970; bronze in 1969, 1971, 1972) and five-time U.S. national champion (1968–1972).

Jim Sladky
Full nameJames Sladky
Born(1947-03-16)March 16, 1947
Bridgeport, Connecticut
DiedNovember 9, 2017(2017-11-09) (aged 70)
Figure skating career
CountryUnited States
PartnerJudy Schwomeyer
CoachRon Ludington
Skating clubGenesee FSC
Medal record
Figure skating: Ice dancing
Representing the  United States
World Championships
Bronze medal – third place 1972 CalgaryIce dancing
Bronze medal – third place 1971 LyonIce dancing
Silver medal – second place 1970 LjubljanaIce dancing
Bronze medal – third place 1969 Colorado SpringsIce dancing
North American Championships
Gold medal – first place1971 PeterboroughIce dancing
Silver medal – second place1969 OaklandIce dancing
Bronze medal – third place1967 MontrealIce dancing

Personal life

James[2] Sladky was born on March 16, 1947. He was married to Judy Schwomeyer from 1971 to 1990.[3][4] He later married Fay Kelley. He worked as a hotel engineer in Hartford, Connecticut.[4]

Career

Schwomeyer/Sladky won five national titles, from 1968 to 1972.[5] They finished on the podium at four World Championships, (winning silver in 1970 and bronze in 1969, 1971, and 1972).[6]

They were coached by Ron Ludington.[7] Together with Ludington, Schwomeyer/Sladky created the Yankee Polka compulsory dance.[8] They first performed it as a competitive program in 1969. Following their retirement from competitive skating, the duo skated professionally.

They were inducted into the United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1991.

Results

(with Judy Schwomeyer)

International
Event 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972
World Championships8th4th3rd2nd3rd3rd
North American Champ.3rd2nd1st
National
U.S. Championships6th3rd1st1st1st1st1st

References
  1. "Remembering the Famous Ice Dancer Jim Sladky". Figure Skating Dreams. 2017-11-10. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
  2. Hewins, Jack (January 30, 1969). "Kauffmans Trail in Pairs Skating". The Daily Telegram (Eau Claire, Wisconsin). Associated Press. p. 15.
  3. Woods, David (February 18, 2014). "Olympic ice dancing traces roots to Indianapolis native Judy Sladky". The Indianapolis Star.
  4. Elliott, Helene (January 7, 2002). "In Long Run, Little Things Remain". L.A. Times. Archived from the original on November 18, 2017. Retrieved November 10, 2017.
  5. "Past U.S. Champions - Senior" (PDF). Archived from the original on February 9, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  6. "World Figure Skating Championships: Ice Dance" (PDF). International Skating Union. Archived from the original on February 16, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  7. "Judy Schwomeyer And Sladky Hold Ice Dancing Lead". The New York Times. January 15, 1972.
  8. "ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, Day 1". International Skating Union. February 13, 2008. Archived from the original on February 14, 2012.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)


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