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Created in 2013, Skate Guard Blog explores the overlooked, forgotten, and underappreciated corners of figure skating history - from little-known stories to fresh perspectives on famous skaters, eras, and events. There’s always something new to discover, so grab a cup of coffee and glide into the rich, fascinating history of the world’s most beloved winter sport.

Tom Steinruck

 Robert Thomas Steinruck

August 16, 1947-October 7, 1986

Left: Tom Steinruck. Right: Nina Emden and Tom Steinruck

Colorado born Tom Steinruck got his start in figure skating at the Seattle Skating Club. In 1969, Tom and partner Nina Emden won the Northwest Pacific junior pairs title, the silver medal at the Pacific Coast Championships and competed at the U.S. Championships. While skating, he studied zoology at the University of Washington. Tom went on to skate professionally with the Ice Follies. He passed away in San Mateo, California on October 7, 1986 at the age of thirty-nine.


Obituary from the "Bay Area Reporter": "Tom died suddenly at Chope Hospital, San Mateo, Oct. 7, leaving behind his lover, Ken Mueller of Foster City, his mother and father Robert Sr. and Mary of Seattle, his brother Jim, and countless loving friends. His smile, his enthusiasm, his dedication to things he believed in made life better for many of us. His contribution to our community through his devotion to AIDS research will be greatly missed."

*Source for inclusion: National AIDS Memorial, The Names Project Memorial Quilt

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