Louis Rubenstein

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Louis Rubenstein (born September 23, 1861, in Montreal, Canada; died January 3,1931) was a Canadian figure skater. Rubenstein is considered the "Father of Canadian Figure Skating."^[1] ^[2]

[edit] Biography

In 1890, Rubenstein won the gold medal in an unofficial international championships that were one of the precursors of the World Figure Skating Championships.^{[citation needed]} He became the first Canadian to win international honours in the sport.^{[citation needed]}

Rubenstein was the force behind the establishment and organization of the Amateur Skating Association of Canada, now known as Skate Canada.^[3] He was the first president of the organization^[4] and served until his death^[5].

He was President of the International Skating Union of America 1907-09, President of the Canadian Wheelmen's Association] for 18 years, and President of the Montréal Amateur Athletic Association 1913-15.^{[citation needed]} Rubenstein also had a hand in the organization of the National Amateur Skating Association of the United States; a forerunner to the United States Figure Skating Association.^{[citation needed]}

The Montreal Star wrote in 1895 of his presidency of the Canadian Bowling Association, and called him the "Father of Bowling in Canada."^{[citation needed]} A tremendous bowler, he averaged 173.4 in 129 games between 1892-1900.^{[citation needed]}

After retiring from active skating, Rubenstein also held the presidency of various Canadian organizations representing curling, bicycling, tobogganing, and lifesaving.

Rubenstein was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1981^[6] and the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1984^[7].

There is a permanent memorial to Rubenstein in Montreal at Fletcher's Field at the corner of Parc and Mount Royal Avenues.^{[citation needed]}

He was also politically active; he was an alderman for 17 years.^{[citation needed]}

He was coached by Jackson Haines.^[8]