Scott Hamilton
When you hear the name Scott Hamilton, the first thing that comes to most people’s mind is back flips. Not only was it awesome when he performed one, but it was something not many other skaters could do. Despite the excitement from fans when he completed the move, it was deemed illegal in the U.S. and by the Olympic Committee. Hamilton followed the rules in order to win four World Championships, and four consecutive U.S. Championships between 1981 and 1984. The peak of his career was at the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo where he took the gold medal. Hamilton is also responsible for founding Stars on Ice in the 1980s. Unfortunately, his participation in skating was limited later on the 90s when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The cancer was in remission as of 1997. Hamilton also suffered from a childhood condition resulting in numerous brain tumors between 2004 and 2016. This prompted him to start the CARES Initiative which focuses on cancer research. His most recent venture was acting as an ambassador at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
David Pelletier and Jamie Salé
The tale of Canadian figure skating duo David Pelletier and Jamie Salé is an interesting one. The pair had some great successes on the ice. They won two consecutive gold medals first at the 2001 World Championships and then again at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah despite being the center of a judging scandal. Most individuals who were neutral believed they deserved to take the gold medal. On a more personal note, the duo fell in love and were married in 2005. Together they have a son, Jesse Joe Pelletier but their love unfortunately didn’t last. They eventually divorced, but were still able to maintain their partnership on the ice. More recently, they were inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame and to the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame.
