Léon Quaglia

Léon Quaglia was a great personality in French speed skating. He started his career by winning the national championships in 1913 and ended it the same way – in 1948, although he competed through the 1957 French Championships. In total, he was French speed skating champion 19 times. He did not take part in any international championships, except the 1924 and 1928 Olympic Winter Games. His best achievement was a sixth place in the all-around competition in 1924 and a seventh place in the 10K the same year.

As an ice hockey player, Quaglia was even better known, competing in three Olympics and the European Championships of 1923 (silver) and 1924 (gold). He played for Chamonix in the French league, winning the title in 1923 and 1930, while also taking the Italian crown with Milano in 1925.

Quaglia’s exploits are remembered in the annual Trophée Léon Quaglia, a short-track speed skating event held annually in Chamonix. His sister, Lina Quaglia, was a popular singer in musical theatre.

Personal Bests: 500 – 47.8 (1928); 1500 – 2:36.6 (1926); 5000 – 9:07.4 (1928); 10000 – 18:25.0 (1924).