Debi Thomas, Biography (1967–)
Debi Thomas was the first African American to win the women's title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships and a medal in Winter Olympics competition.
Who Is Debi Thomas?
Debi Thomas started ice skating at an early age. She became the first African American to win a non-novice title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, and in 1988 she was the first Black athlete to earn a medal at the Winter Olympics. Thomas graduated from Stanford University and became an orthopedic surgeon, before her struggles with her post-skating life were revealed in 2015.
Early Life
Born Debra Janine Thomas on March 25, 1967, in Poughkeepsie, New York, Debi Thomas is best known for becoming the first African American win a medal at the Winter Olympic Games in 1988. Thomas first stepped into the skating rink at the age of five. By age nine, she was taking formal lessons and winning competitions. At 10, Thomas signed on with coach Alex McGowan, who guided her career as she trained for the Olympics.
As an African American figure skater, judges often discriminated against Thomas, giving better marks to her competitors for what many saw as less-impressive skills. She persevered, however, and at the age of 12, she advanced to the national novice finals, where she won the silver medal.
READ MORE: Debi Thomas, Biography (1967–)
https://www.biography.com/athlete/debi-tho...
Posted By: Dea. Ron Gray Sr.
Friday, March 25th 2022 at 1:30PM
You can also
click
here to view all posts by this author...
