Madge Syers facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Madge Syers
Madge and Edgar Syers at the 1908 Olympics
Personal information
Full name	Florence Madeline Cave Syers
Country represented	United Kingdom
Born	(1881-09-16)16 September 1881 Kensington, London
Died	9 September 1917(1917-09-09) (aged 35) Weybridge, Surrey
Skating club	Prince's Skating Club
Retired	1908
Medal record Representing  United Kingdom Ladies' Singles Figure skating Olympic Games Gold 1908 London Ladies' singles World Championships Gold 1906 Davos Ladies' singles Gold 1907 Vienna Ladies' singles Open Singles Figure skating World Championships Silver 1902 London Open singles Pairs Figure skating Olympic Games Bronze 1908 London Pairs

Florence Madeline "Madge" Syers (born September 16, 1881 – September 9, 1917) was a famous British figure skater. She made history in 1902 by becoming the first woman to compete in the World Figure Skating Championships. Before her, only men competed in this event. Madge won a silver medal, which was amazing! Her success led the International Skating Union (ISU) to create a special championship just for ladies.

Madge won the first two ladies' championships in 1906 and 1907. She then became the Olympic champion at the 1908 Olympics in London. This was the first time figure skating was included in the Olympic Games. Madge also competed in pairs skating with her husband, Edgar Syers. They won a bronze medal at the 1908 Olympics together.

Madge's Early Life and Interests

Florence Madeline Cave was born on September 16, 1881. She grew up in Kensington, London. Madge was one of 15 children in her family. Her father, Edward Jarvis Cave, was a builder.

Madge was a very talented athlete. She was great at figure skating. She was also a skilled swimmer and enjoyed horse riding. Madge often visited the Prince's Skating Club in Knightsbridge. This club was formed in 1896 and was very popular with London's high society.

In 1899, Madge met Edgar Syers, who would become her husband. Edgar was a figure skater and a coach. He was 18 years older than Madge. Edgar taught a skating style that was more free and less strict than the usual English style. He encouraged Madge to try this new way of skating.

Madge and Edgar started competing in pairs skating events. In 1900, they came in second place at an international pairs event in Berlin. They got married in June of that same year. In 1908, the Syers wrote a book together called The Book of Winter Sports.

Madge's Amazing Skating Career

Competing in the World Championships

The World Figure Skating Championships started in 1896. Everyone thought it was only for men. But there was no rule saying women couldn't compete. So, Madge Syers decided to enter the 1902 Championships in London.

She won the silver medal, coming in second place. The winner, Ulrich Salchow, was so impressed that he reportedly offered her his gold medal! Many experts at the time believed Madge should have won the gold.

Madge's entry made the ISU discuss women competing against men. This happened at their meeting in 1903. Some concerns were raised. For example, they worried that judges couldn't see women's feet properly because of their dresses. They also worried that judges might be biased if they knew a female skater. The ISU voted to stop women from competing in the championships with men.

Success from 1903 to 1907

Even after the ISU's decision, Madge kept competing. In 1903, she won the first-ever British Figure Skating Championships. This competition started as a mixed event. She won again the next year, even beating her husband, who won the silver medal! She also entered the 1904 European Championships. However, she had to stop due to an injury after the first part of the competition.

In 1905, the ISU decided to create a separate event just for ladies. This was thanks to a lot of effort from the National Ice Skating Association. This event was called the Ladies' Championship of the ISU. It was held at a different time and place from the men's event.

Madge won the very first ladies' event in Davos, Switzerland, in 1906. She was the best among five competitors. She won her second title in Vienna at the 1907 Championships.

Becoming an Olympic Champion in 1908

The 1908 Summer Olympics in London were special. They were the first Olympic Games to include figure skating. The skating events took place in October at the Prince's Club. Madge entered both the ladies' event and the pairs event with Edgar.

In the ladies' event, Madge easily won the first part, which involved performing set figures. All five judges placed her first. The official report from the Games said she was "in a class by herself." It also mentioned "the wonderful accuracy of her figures." Her perfect posture and movement were also praised.

In the free skating part, Madge was excellent at keeping rhythm and time. Her dance steps and spins were perfect. Again, all five judges placed her first, and she won the gold medal! In the pairs event, Madge and Edgar came in third place. They won a bronze medal together.

Later Life and Legacy

Madge Syers stopped competing after the Olympics. This was because her health was not as strong as it used to be. She and Edgar wrote another book together. It was called The Art of Skating (International Style) and came out in 1913.

Madge passed away on September 9, 1917, at her home in Weybridge, Surrey. She was almost 36 years old.

In 1981, Madge Syers was honored for her achievements. She was chosen to be part of the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

Skating Results

See also

In Spanish: Madge Syers para niños