Dorothy Hamill

Dorothy Hamill is an American former figure skater who captured the gold medal at the Olympic Winter Games in Innsbruck 1976 at the age of 19. Raised in Chicago, Hamill began skating on a pond behind her grandparents’ home, winning her first figure skating competition at 11. After securing two world championship silver medals in 1974 and 1975, she clinched the gold medal in Innsbruck, followed by a World Championship title in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Known for her distinctive short bob hairstyle, Hamill was nicknamed “America’s Sweetheart” and is credited with inventing the "Hamill Camel" among other figure skating moves. Her professional career included touring with "Ice Capades" and "Stars on Ice," and she has produced and starred in productions such as “Cinderella” and “The Nutcracker.” Hamill’s performance in "Romeo and Juliet" earned her an Emmy Award. She was also a pivotal torchbearer at the Olympic Winter Games Salt Lake City 2002 and performed in the closing ceremonies with Harry Connick Jr.

Hamill has been actively involved with several charities, including the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, the International Special Olympics, and the American Cancer Society. Her battle with breast cancer in 2008 inspired her to launch the national campaign BeWisER+ about Breast Cancer. She has also been a figure skating commentator and correspondent, covering multiple Olympic events and co-hosting coverage for the Winter Olympics. Hamill authored "A Skating Life: My Story," which appeared on The New York Times Best Seller List. Her ongoing commitment to health and wellness extends through hosting fantasy ice skating clinics in various locations.