Going, Going, Gone…Far Too Soon

The excitement was evident among peers, coaches, family members, and public observers. All anticipated the potential for great achievements in figure skating at the World Championships in Prague. After all of the hard work, the falls, bruises, and then the successes, the time had finally arrived to demonstrate all the hard-earned accomplishments at a huge competition. Valentine’s Day marked the beginning of what was to be some enormous achievements in sports.

Only we remember this occasion not for what had been planned and hoped, but for its tragic outcome. A full 60 years ago, it was definitely a Valentine’s Day to remember for its tragedy the next day—but then also later for its hope. Hope through a living legacy that even today still positively affects skaters with financial assistance and support.

The plan that was not meant to be

The Sabena Airlines plane that carried the hopes and dreams of many instead crashed, killing all 72 onboard and a farmer on the ground. These days, airplanes are far safer. Technical specs and communication have greatly improved.

But from tragedy sprung heartfelt motivation. Following the crash, the USFS Memorial Fund was created in the memory of those who had worked so hard, yet perished. Over the years, this living legacy has provided more than $15 million in funds to further the figure skating efforts of those both known to many and known only to friends and family.

Do you recognize any of the names of those who had been helped by the US Figure Skating Memorial Fund? People such as:     

• Brian Boitano
• Meryl Davis and Charlie White
• Todd Eldredge
• Peggy Fleming
• Dorothy Hamill
• Scott Hamilton
• Evan Lysacek     
• Kristi Yamaguchi
• Perhaps skaters you may know, or know of
• And many, many more.

So, this Valentine’s Day 2021, around the 60th Anniversary of the creation of the US Figure Skating Memorial Fund, let us take a moment to reflect upon the joy, the inspiration that can even spring from tragedy.