In 1953, American figure skater Tenley Albright (born 1935) became the first "triple crown winner" ever, as she captured the World, North American, and United States ladies figure skating titles. However, she faced her ultimate challenge as she competed with a serious foot injury in the 1956 Olympic Games. Despite her pain, she skated away with the top prize, becoming the first American woman to win a gold medal in Olympic figure skating.

As Sports Illustrated for Women selected the top 100 female athletes of all time, writer Richard Deitsch reflected, "Few skaters have ever combined athleticism and artistic grace as successfully as Tenley Albright." Barbara Matson of the Boston Globe added, "Albright's athletic story is one of courage and strength of spirit.... She is [number one] in the celebrated history of American women in Olympic figure skating."

Early Years

Tenley Emma Albright was born on July 18, 1935, in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, the...