Arnold Gerschwiler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arnold Gerschwiler |
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Sjoukje Dijkstra and Arnold Gerschwiler (1963)
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| Personal information | |
| Born | 28 May 1914 Arbon, Switzerland |
| Died | 22 August 2003 (aged 89) Cheam, Surrey, United Kingdom |
Arnold Gerschwiler (born May 28, 1914 – died August 22, 2003) was a famous figure skating coach. He was originally from Switzerland but later became British. He helped many skaters become champions!
About Arnold
Arnold Gerschwiler was born in Arbon, Switzerland. He had a half-brother named Jacques Gerschwiler. Jacques was also involved in skating. Arnold moved to London, England, because Jacques encouraged him.
Arnold married Violet Blundell in 1941. They had two daughters, Stella and Claire. He lived in Twickenham for over 50 years. Arnold passed away in 2003 when he was 89 years old.
His Coaching Career
Arnold Gerschwiler competed in ice skating championships in 1935 and 1936. In 1937, he joined the staff at the Richmond Ice Rink. He became the head coach there in 1938. He even served as a director until the rink was closed in 1992.
Arnold coached many amazing skaters. Some of his most famous students include:
- Alena Vrzanova (also known as Aja Zanova), who became a world champion in 1949 and 1950.
- His own nephew, Hans Gerschwiler, who won a silver medal at the 1948 Olympics.
- John Curry, a British skater who won both Olympic and world championships in 1976.
- Valda Osborn, a British champion and European champion in 1953.
He also coached other top European skaters like Sjoukje Dijkstra, Michael Booker, Ladislav Čáp, Patricia Dodd, Hanna Eigel, Joan Haanappel, Helmut Seibt, and Daphne Walker.
Awards and Recognition
In 1997, Arnold Gerschwiler was given the Order of the British Empire. This is a special award in the United Kingdom. In 2004, both he and his brother Jacques were honored. They were added to the Coaches Hall of Fame by the Professional Skaters Association. This shows how much they contributed to figure skating.
See also
- Betty Callaway
- Jacques Gerschwiler
- Richmond Ice Rink
