Henie, Sonja, << HEHN ee, SAWN yuh, >> (1912-1969), was one of the greatest female figure skaters in the history of the sport. She won more Olympic and world titles than any other woman in skating history. Henie revolutionized women’s figure skating with her graceful and athletic skating programs. Her good looks and charm made her one of the most popular female athletes of her time.
While competing for her native Norway, Henie won gold medals in women’s figure skating in the Winter Olympic Games in 1928, 1932, and 1936. She was world champion for 10 consecutive years, from 1927 to 1936.
Henie turned professional in 1936 and became a successful businesswoman. From 1938 to 1950, she starred in her Hollywood Ice Revue shows. During the 1930’s and 1940’s, Henie also starred in several Hollywood musical films that featured her skating. By the late 1940’s, she was one of the wealthiest women in the world.
Henie was born in Christiania (now Oslo), Norway, on April 8, 1912. She won the senior Norwegian figure skating championship at the age of 9 and competed in her first Olympics in 1924 at the age of 11. Henie became a United States citizen in 1941. She died on Oct. 12, 1969.
