Tara Lipinski

Tara Lipinski started out as a roller skater, but started figure skating by the time she was six. In 1995 she was second at the US Junior Figure Skating Championships, and placed fourth that year at the World Juniors, aged only 12. In 1996 she disappointed somewhat, placing fifth at the World Juniors. But in 1996 she moved up to the senior level, and was third at the US Championships, qualifying her for the World team. In 1996, the International Skating Union raised the minimum age for World Championship competition to 15, but Lipinski was grandfathered in, placing 15th. Lipinski’s big breakthrough year was 1997, as she won both the US and World Championships, upsetting Michelle Kwan at both events. However, in the 1997-98 season, Kwan regained her dominance, defeating Lipinski at Skate America and the US Chamionships, and Lipinski also lost at Trophée Lalique, and Kwan entered the Nagano Olympics as the favorite. But Lipinski shone in the free skate at Nagano, landing seven triples, including a triple loop-triple loop combination, to win the gold medal, with Kwan second. Shortly after the 1998 Winter Olympics, Lipinski turned professional, skating for four years with Stars on Ice. She later became well known in the US as a commentator on televised figure skating competitions.