Hans Gerschwiler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hans Gerschwiler
Barbara Ann Scott and Hans Gerschwiler in 1948
Personal information
Country represented	Switzerland
Born	(1920-06-21)21 June 1920 Winterthur, Canton of Zürich
Died	27 September 2017(2017-09-27) (aged 97) Pinehurst, North Carolina
Medal record Representing  Switzerland Men's Figure skating Olympic Games Silver 1948 St. Moritz Men's Singles World Championships Silver 1948 Davos Men's singles Gold 1947 Stockholm Men's singles European Championships Silver 1948 Prague Men's singles Gold 1947 Davos Men's singles

Hans Gerschwiler (born June 21, 1920, died September 27, 2017) was a talented figure skater from Switzerland. He is best known for winning a silver medal at the 1948 Winter Olympics.

Skating Journey: Hans Gerschwiler's Career

Hans Gerschwiler first competed internationally at the 1939 European Championships. He finished in 5th place.

Skating During World War II

From 1939 to 1947, there were no international skating competitions. This was because of World War II. Hans Gerschwiler was living in England with his uncle and coach, Jacques Gerschwiler, when the war started. When his uncle had to return to Switzerland, Hans stayed with the family of another skater, Cecilia Colledge. During the war, he worked in a factory and as a fire watcher. He could only practice skating once a week.

Post-War Success

After the war ended, Gerschwiler became one of the top skaters. In 1947, he won both the World Figure Skating Championships and the European Figure Skating Championships.

The next year, in 1948, he won a silver medal at the 1948 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz. He also placed second at the 1948 European Championships. In both events, he finished behind American skater Dick Button. Hans was coached by his uncle, Arnold Gerschwiler.

Skating Style and Legacy

Hans Gerschwiler was known for his beautiful free skating performances. He was also considered one of the best at compulsory figures, which are specific patterns skaters draw on the ice. After the 1948 Winter Olympics, he became a professional skater.

For many years, Gerschwiler was the only Swiss man to win a World Championship in figure skating. This changed when Stéphane Lambiel won in 2005. Hans Gerschwiler and Stéphane Lambiel are also the only Swiss male figure skaters to win an Olympic silver medal. Another Swiss skater, Georges Gautschi, won a bronze medal at the 1924 Winter Olympics. When Lambiel won in 2005, Gerschwiler sent him a message to say congratulations.

Competition Results