What did Olympic figure skating look like in the late 1940s - before television coverage, slow-motion replays and the modern scoring system? This rare 16mm film offers a glimpse.
The footage features Jeannette Altwegg, Hans Gerschwiler and Barbara Ann Scott at the 1948 Winter Olympics - an event that marked a return to international competition after World War II. Their skating reflects a different era: long, controlled edges, measured pacing and an emphasis on compulsory figures and carriage.
The film itself has an interesting history. It was purchased by World Champion Frances Dafoe, later transferred to VHS and preserved by a private collector before ultimately being donated to the Skate Guard Archive in 2026.
Beyond the performances, what makes this footage special is its survival. Thanks to a chain of careful custodianship, this small piece of skating history remains available to view today.
Skate Guard is a blog dedicated to preserving the rich, colourful and fascinating history of figure skating. Over ten years, the blog has featured over a thousand free articles covering all aspects of the sport's history, as well as four compelling in-depth features. To read the latest articles, follow the blog on Facebook, Bluesky, Pinterest and YouTube. If you enjoy Skate Guard, please show your support for this archive by ordering one of eight fascinating books highlighting the history of figure skating: https://skateguard1.blogspot.com/p/buy-book.html.