Updated:2008-05-14 15:59 | Source:beijing2008
Innsbruck 1976, XII Olympic Winter Games. Men's figure skating. Gold medallist John CURRY of Great Britain on the podium. Credit: Getty Images/Tony Duffy |
Other names: CURRY, John Anthony
Born: 9 September 1949
Deceased: 15 April 1994
Birthplace: Birmingham
Nationality: Great Britain
Sport: Skating
ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES
Sapporo 1972
Innsbruck 1976
AWARDS
Olympic medals:
Gold: 1
Other results:
World Championships
Gold: 1 (76)
Bronze: 1 (75)
Upholding the Tradition of Elegance
Certain judges did not approve of figure skater John Curry's style because he emphasized grace and artistic expression over athleticism. Curry defended his skating as being in the tradition of Olympic figure skating pioneer Gillis Grafström. Nonetheless, for the 1976 Olympics, Curry supplemented his natural elegance with dynamic jumps. He performed his freestyle long programme to Ludwig Minkus'ballet Don Quixote. Although the Soviet and Canadian judges awarded first place to their own skaters, overall the nine judges gave Curry 105.9 points out a possible 108 points. This remains the highest point total in the history of men's figure skating and Curry won a clear victory.
(Credit: IOC. Click here for further information.)