Kurt Browning

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Kurt Browning (born June 18, 1966) is a Canadian figure skater.

Born in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta and raised in Caroline, Alberta, Browning was a four-time Canadian figure skating champion and four-time World Champion. He represented Canada in three Winter Olympics, 1988 (finishing 8th overall), 1992 (6th) and 1994 (5th), and was given the privilege of carrying the Canadian flag during the opening ceremonies of the 1994 games in Lillehammer, Norway. Browning's other achievements are numerous, including three Canadian Professional Championships, three World Professional Championships, a Lou Marsh Trophy for top Canadian Athlete (in 1990), Lionel Conacher Award winner (1990 and 1991), Order of Canada recipient (in 1990), an American Skating World Professional Skater of the Year Award (in 1998), and a Gustav Lussi Award from the Professional Skaters' Association (in 2001). The only trophy that he never won was an Olympic medal. He is also known as Wayne Gretzky of figure skating due to his achievements and how much he is contributing to the sport.

On March 25, 1988, at the 1988 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Browning landed the first quadruple jump ever in competition. This accomplishment is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Browning is also known for his footwork.

He was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 and Canada's Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2000. He was honoured with a star on Canada's Walk of Fame in 2001. He also appeared in the 2006 FOX television program Skating with Celebrities.

As a professional skater, Browning has had a long rivalry with Brian Boitano. At the 2006 Ice Wars competition, Browning narrowly defeated Boitano.

Browning married Sonia Rodriguez, a principal dancer with the National Ballet of Canada, on June 30, 1996. Their son Gabriel was born on July 12, 2003.

[edit] Competitive highlights

1985

• Canadian Championships - 2nd

1986

• Canadian Championships - 2nd

1987

• Canadian Championships - 2nd

1988

• Canadian Championships - 2nd
• Olympics - 8th

1989

• Canadian Championships - 1st
• World Championships - 1st

1990

• Canadian Championships - 1st
• World Championships - 1st

1991

• Canadian Championships - 1st
• World Championships - 1st

1992

• Olympics - 6th
• World Championships - 2nd

1993

• Canadian Championships - 1st
• World Championships - 1st

1994

• Olympics - 5th

[edit] Navigation

Preceded by Wayne Gretzky

Lou Marsh Trophy winner 1990

Succeeded by Silken Laumann