Dianne de Leeuw

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Other
SexFemale
Full nameDianne Margaret•de Leeuw
Used nameDianne•de Leeuw
Born19 November 1955 in Orange, California (USA)
Measurements165 cm / 57 kg
NOC Netherlands
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Dianne de Leeuw was born in California to a Dutch mother and a father with dual US/Dutch nationality. When she was an up and coming figure skater, her grandfather expressed the wish that she would compete for the Netherlands, rather than the US. She first competed for the Dutch title in 1971, and won it right away, claiming the title until 1976. She developed into a world class figure skater, winning her first international medals in 1974. In 1975, she defeated semi-compatriot Dorothy Hamill for the world title, which did not sit well with the American press.

In 1976, she also won the European Championships (following two silver medals), and the Dutch media expected her to become the successor to Sjoukje Dijkstra. However, she lost to Hamill and placed second. She ended her competitive figure skating career later that season and joined an ice show, touring North America. At present, she is a figure skating teacher together with her husband and former coach, Doug Chapman.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1972 Winter Olympics Figure Skating (Skating) NED Dianne de Leeuw
Singles, Women (Olympic) 16
1976 Winter Olympics Figure Skating (Skating) NED Dianne de Leeuw
Singles, Women (Olympic) 2 Silver

Other participations

Games Role NOC As
1976 Winter Olympics Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony NED Dianne de Leeuw

Special Notes