Anne Henning

Although only 16, Anne Henning was a favorite to win the two shortest speed skating races at the 1972 Olympics. By then she had been second in the World Championships – at all-around. She had also set three official and two unofficial world records in the 500, and one official world record in the 1,000. In the 1972 Olympic 500, Anne Henning skated a fine time, despite being interfered with by her pair partner on the cross-over. She was offered a re-skate, and took the opportunity. It was probably a mistake, for although she bettered her time, her initial 500 time would also have taken the gold medal. The next day in the 1,000, she could manage only a bronze – she described her legs as being “dead”. At the end of the season, Henning retired from speed skating, still only aged 16. Later, Anne Henning became a teacher in Englewood, Colorado.

Personal Bests: 500 – 42.5 (1972); 1000 – 1:27.3 (1972); 1500 – 2:27.30 (1972); 3000 – 5:25.9 (1971).