Peggy Fleming

Peggy Fleming is the 1968 Olympic Gold medalist in Figure Skating and a three-time World Champion, having won consecutively in 1966, 1967, and 1968. This victory was particularly significant as she was the only U.S. athlete to win a gold medal in these Olympic Winter Games. Fleming’s athletic, graceful, and elegant style led to five U.S. titles and three World titles.

Born in San Jose, CA, she began skating when she was nine years old. After her Olympic triumph, she headlined five NBC television specials, toured the world in skating shows, and appeared in the movie "Blades of Glory" as a judge. She also made an appearance on the show "To Tell the Truth" in 1966. In 1999, at Sports Illustrated 20th Century Sports Awards, Fleming was honored as one of "Seven Athletes Who Changed The Game." In 1968, she was named the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year. Her contributions to figure skating have been celebrated in various media, including a feature in "The Atlantic" on February 7, 2018.

In addition to her skating career, Fleming served as a figure skating commentator for ABC Sports and ESPN for 28 years. Over two decades of her life were devoted to television commentary in figure skating, including at several Winter Olympic Games, a role she started in 1981. This experience in sports commentary helped launch the modern era of figure skating.

Off the ice, Fleming faced a personal health challenge in 1998 when she was diagnosed with early breast cancer. Following her recovery, she became a spokesperson for women’s health and helped women become more aware of the importance of early detection and regular checkups. She has contributed to multiple philanthropic causes, raising millions of dollars for many non-profit organizations. Fleming, along with her husband, even owned and operated Fleming Jenkins Vineyards & Winery, supporting breast cancer research through the profits from their "Victories Rosé" wine.

Fleming's accomplishments have been recognized with awards such as the "Lombardi Award of Excellence" from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation in 2003. Beyond her athletic and philanthropic pursuits, Fleming is an artist with works displayed with the Art of the Olympians, and she was inducted into the Team USA Hall of Fame. A larger-than-life sculpture was planned to honor her in 2020. Fleming and her husband reside in Colorado and are proud parents and grandparents.