Ronald Robertson (figure skater)

Ronald Frederick "Ronnie" Robertson (September 25, 1937 – February 4, 2000) was an American figure skater who was best known for his spinning ability. He won the silver medal at the 1956 Winter Olympics, became one of the youngest male figure skating Olympic medalists. He twice won the silver at the World Figure Skating Championships. He retired from skating after the 1956 U.S. Championships, where he was nearly disqualified after he was accused by the German Figure Skating Federation for excessive expenses on a European tour. His father, Albert Robertson, a naval architect, accused Hayes Jenkins of trying to disqualify his son.[2] After a huge fight with the U.S. Figure Skating Federation, Robertson was not disqualified after he lost to Jenkins and retired from competitive figure skating and signed a two-year contract with the Ice Capades for $100,000.[3]

Ronald Robertson
Robertson in 1962
Born(1937-09-25)September 25, 1937
Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, U.S.[1]
DiedFebruary 4, 2000(2000-02-04) (aged 62)
Fountain Valley, California, U.S.
Figure skating career
CountryUnited States
Retired1956
Medal record
Figure skating
Representing  United States
Olympic Games
Silver medal – second place 1956 Cortina d'Ampezzo Singles
World Championships
Silver medal – second place1956 Garmisch-PartenkirchenSingles
Silver medal – second place1955 ViennaSingles
North American Championships
Bronze medal – third place1953 ClevelandSingles

In the 1950s, he had a long-term relationship with Tab Hunter,[4][5] who also helped fund his amateur career.[4] Robertson was coached by Gustave Lussi.[4]

Robertson's skating career was also well known on television. He appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1957, and his fast forward upright spin was described as being "faster than an electric fan." He also appeared as a featured guest on The Mickey Mouse Club that year.

After leaving skating to run a small hotel which he owned with his partner, Robertson was persuaded by Ted Wilson, a rink designer and manager in Hong Kong, to return to the ice and teach as a guest coach. Robertson, with former Japanese champion Sashi Kuchiki, made annual one-month trips to Hong Kong for 10 years teaching at Cityplaza Ice Palace on Hong Kong Island. Robertson was an extremely popular coach during this period and made a lasting impression with his skills and kindness.

During the 1964–65 New York World's Fair, Robertson appeared as the main attraction for Dick Button's Ice Travaganza show.

Ronnie Robertson died on February 4, 2000, at a hospital in Fountain Valley, California, from bronchial pneumonia at the age of 62.[3]

Results
Event 1953 1954 1955 1956
Winter Olympics2nd
World Championships4th5th2nd2nd
North American Championships3rd
U.S. Championships2nd3rd2nd

References
  1. Ronnie Robertson. sports-reference.com
  2. "Skater Ronnie Robertson Incensed at Charge of Excessive Expenses". Milwaukee Journal. 17 March 1956. sec. Journal Final p. 2. Archived from the original on 8 September 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  3. Goldstein, Richard (February 17, 2000). "Ronnie Robertson, 62, a Skater Who Entertained With His Spins". The New York Times. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
  4. Hunter, Tab; Eddie Muller (2005). Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star. Algonquin Books. ISBN 1-56512-548-7.
  5. DiStefano, Blase. Fab Tab. OutSmart Magazine
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