When only 16 years old, Linda Fratianne was already an accomplished skater, finishing eighth in the 1976 Olympics as well as being the runner-up that year in the U.S. championships. But in the next few years she wore well the crown of America’s new figure skating queen. From 1977 until 1980, Linda Fratianne won the U.S. championships and never finished lower than second in the world championships. In 1977 and 1979 she would win the world title, but arch-rival Annett Pötzsch of East Germany defeated her in the 1978 and 1980 worlds as well as at the Lake Placid Olympics. Fratianne was a spectacular skater known for great jumping ability but possessed of all-round skills. One of her trademarks was the stunning outfits she wore while competing. After the Olympics, Linda Fratianne turned professional, signing a huge contract with the Ice Follies and eventually skating for them in their show, Walt Disney’s World on Ice.
United States