[30] Training with Mueller in the summer before the Olympics, Blair regained her competitive edge. Jenkins, Sally. [37] In addition to the 500 and 1,000 meters races, Blair also competing in the 1,500 meter distance missing the podium with a fourth place finish. "Yanks on the move." Immediate Family: Daughter of ALONZA LONNIE RATLIFF and MAUDE RATLIFF. Overall, Blair won 4 of 18 women's medals at the 1987 World Cup; East German skaters, including Rothenburger, won 13. She skated twice around the Pettit National Ice Center for a cheering crowd of ten thousand fans before lighting the Olympic caldron set up at the Center. 23 Feb. 2023 . Nobody makes you do it. [2] Blair's family friends in the stands, affectionately known as the "Blair Bunch," became a staple of her competitive career. 5 What actress portrayed. Blair began to succeed on the international speed skating stage. She was a member of four U.S. Olympic Speed Skating Teams, winner of five Olympic gold medals between 1988 and 1994 . She continued to compete in part because there were only two years between these Olympic Games. (She finished fourth in the 1500 meter race.) Bonnie Blair. She again won the world sprint title in 1994, also winning the World Cup 500- and 1,000-metre races that year. Following her retirement from competitive skating, Blair remained extremely active, both in her sport and outside of it. On 23 June 1996 she married Dave Cruikshank, a fellow speed skater on the U.S. Olympic Chambers, 1997. It's fun to set goals, reach goals, reset goals. 2019Encyclopedia.com | All rights reserved. Bonnie Blair Dream, Distance, Accomplishment 11 Copy quote I never could have achieved the success that I have without setting physical activity and health goals. Blair lives in Delafield, Wisconsin, with her husband and their son Grant and daughter Blair. Search instead in Creative? She is one of the top skaters of her era, and one of the most decorated athletes in Olympic history. Denver Rocky Mountain News (February 15, 2002): 23S. Bonnie Blair President: V B S, INC: Ste 105-148, Gilbert, AZ 85297 3733 E Janelle Ct, Gilbert, AZ 85297: Bonnie Blair President, Chief Executive Officer: Happy Helpers Inc Help Supply Services: 137 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450 54 West Ave, Ste 2, Fairport, NY 14450 (585) 425-2680: Bonnie B. Blair Principal: Bonnie Blair Massage Misc Personal . She also set a record in the 1000 meters with a time of 1:19.3. She had an older brother, Hubert (Buster), and a younger sister, Billie. In 1985, Blair won the North American indoor speed skating championship, and in 1986, she again won the U.S. indoor title. Jeansonne, John. Blair won two gold medals in the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville and her final two Olympic gold medals at the 1994 Lillehammer games. . By the time of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary, Alberta, Blair was regarded as one of the hopes for the future of American speed skating. 9.04M subscribers Subscribe to @olympics: http://oly.ch/Subscribe Highlights as Bonnie Blair takes part in her third Olympic Games. [47] She was awarded a star (#7) on The Flag for Hope on September 29, 2015 in recognition of her outstanding Speed Skating Career and philanthropic efforts. This is an individual sport.". She counts herself lucky in being able to maintain such an active retirement, noting that not all Olympic gold medalists have been as fortunate. In the summer of 1991 Blair resumed full-time training back in Milwaukee under her new coach, Peter Mueller. Blair won her fourth career gold medal with a . Sporting News (February 14, 1994): S15. ." Although Ye claimed the crossover cost her the gold, the referee's rejected China's protest. One of Blair's most influential coaches was Cathy Priestner (later known as Cathy Priestner-Allinger when she married Todd Allinger in 1986). Blair's last year as a competitive speed skater was 1995. New York Times (February 19, 1995): section 8, p. 1. . But while skating eventually. Blair knew how to win and took advantage of it. [2][3] To end the games, Blair was chosen to carry the American flag at the closing ceremonies. Four days later, she took the gold in the 1,000-meter race, winning by just two one-hundredths of a second. Bonnie Blair Cruikshank. In addition, Blair was active in charity work and continued to do some commercial endorsements for companies like General Mills products at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Janofsky, Michael. "Blair Enjoys Being Olympic Spectator." Blair was born on March 18, 1964, in Cornwall, New York, the youngest of six children. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. [53][44] Blair's daughter competed at the 2018 United States Olympic speed skating trials at the 500 meter distance, held at Pettit National Ice Center. [27] Holding Blair back from more advertisements was both her choice of sports, which was thought to be less marketable, and ABC's coverage of the games, which failed to resonate with viewers. [28] The win made Blair the first U.S. woman to win a world sprint championship in nearly a decade. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Born in Philadelphia, she was the youngest of six children. Most online reference entries and articles do not have page numbers. Born December 29, 1911, in Hopkins County, KY, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Monroe Dockery and Thurman Fox Dockery. She was the most decorated Winter Olympian in U.S. history when she retired in 1995. Bonnie Blairwas raised in Champaign, Illinois. Barrow, who was 20, was a volatile ex-con and a wanted man who had vowed that he would . She is one of the top skaters of her era, and one of the most decorated athletes in Olympic history. Encyclopedia of Women and Sports. International Encyclopedia of Women and Sports. seventeenth century), https://www.encyclopedia.com/sports/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/blair-bonnie, http://www.hickoksports.com/biograph/blairbon.shtml, http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0109013.html, https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/bonnie-blair, https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/blair-bonnie, Begins competing as member of national speed skating team, Competes at the Olympic trials, but does not make team, Wins Olympic gold and bronze at Winter Olympic Games, Wins two Olympic golds at Winter Olympic Games, Retires from competitive speed skating; becomes motivational speaker, Marries speed skater Dave Cruikshank on June 23, Won Illinois state championship in speed skating for age group, Won gold medal in Olympics speed skating in 500 meters, Won gold medals in 500 meter and 1000 meter at Olympics in speed skating, Won gold in 500 meters at World Championships, Won gold medals in 500 meters and 1000 meters at Winter Olympic Games in speed skating; won gold in 500 meters and 1000 at World Sprint Championships and World Cup; named Babe Zaharis Female Amateur Athlete of the Year; named Sportswoman of the Year by Women's Sports Foundation, Set 500 meters speed skating world record at Calgary; retired in March as speed skater; named Sportswoman of the Year by Women's Sports Foundation; won world sprint championship, Given Sports Humanitarian Award, World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. In 1989, she won the World Sprint Championships, though she did not train as hard as she had for the Olympics. She also won two gold medals at the '92 . Great Women in Sports. She also represented Canada in speed skating in the 1972 games in Sapporo, Japan. Encyclopedia of World Biography. Blair told Brian Cazeneuve of The Sporting News, "I'm the one who puts pressure on myself. Biography Bonne Blair began competing as a speed skater when she was four years old. In 1986, Blair set her first world's record in the 500 meters. [37] Blair won the 1992 Oscar Mathisen Award (being the first female winner of this award). Blair was touched by the adulations of the crowd, saying that she had never heard any group of spectators cheer so hard for her. See also Alexander Wolff, "Bonnie's Bounty: Unassuming Bonnie Blair Sped to Victory in 1,000 Meters to Become the U.S.'s Most Gilded Woman Olympian Ever," Sports Illustrated (7 Mar. To become an Olympic champion, Blair needed further training as well as racing experience on the long track. 1957- Charlie had dreamed of Bonnie becoming an Olympic speed skater. Blair had more success in 1984, making the U.S. women's speed skating team for the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. [3] She moved to the Milwaukee area to train with the United States national speed skating team,[7] living with a family friend while she trained. Address: c/o 306 White Pine Rd., Delafield, WI 53018-1124. The victories led to more endorsements, and even more important to Blair, the popularity of speed skating. It was the first time a woman had won two Olympic gold medals for the 500-meter event in two successive Winter Olympics. The trials were a breeze for her. She embarked on a whirlwind travel schedule in Europe, taking on the world's best. She also tried her hand at gymnastics for a while. By the time Blair was fifteen, she decided to make speed skating her sole sport, training in a vigilant and dedicated fashion. Heather McCabe in the Houston Chronicle. 5-time Olympic gold medalist speedskater Bonnie Blair Cruikshank is still hitting the ice at 57-years-old. Bonnie Parker first met Clyde Barrow through a mutual friend in January 1930, when Bonnie was 19 years old. Speed skater Eric Heiden won five gold medals in the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York. She also was a cheerleader and on student council. Bonnie Kathleen Blair (born March 18, 1964) is a retired American speedskater. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2001. "Blair has not Slowed Down: Family is her Life, Not Speed skating." Sports Illustrated (March 7, 1988): 50. With family members and dozens of friends, teammates, and fans cheering her on, Blair made her best start ever and zipped through the course in 39.1 seconds, setting a new world record and winning the gold medal. Bonnie Blair Speed skating champion Bonnie Blair (born 1964) is the most highly decorated American Winter Olympic athlete in history with six medals. A year later she twice set a world record for the 500-metre event on the standard circuit. Of the six, five were gold, making Blair the only American woman to ever win five gold medals in the games. She was raised in Illinois, but she moved to Milwaukee to further her speed-skating career. [32], Her success in the 1992 Olympics led to more attention for Blair. Sports Illustrated (March 7, 1994): 42. She remained connected to speed skating by serving as a coach and conducting clinics. To win the 500-meter event, Blair beat Chinese skater Ye Qiaobo by 18 hundredths of a second. Compare DNA and explore genealogy for Bonnie (Blair) Roos born 1940s including ancestors + children + DNA connections + more in the free family tree community. Bonnie Blair owns a time-share in the international spotlight: She gets it for two weeks every Olympiad, and then they ask her to leave. Blair's athletic achievements, combined with her friendly, down-to-earth manner, earned her recognition from journalists as an "All-American girl." Bonnie Kathleen Blair (born March 18, 1964) is a retired American speed skater. When Bonnie Blair was born on 9 August 1914, in Letcher, Kentucky, United States, her father, William Blair, was 31 and her mother, Delia Pratt, was 35. [10] Later that year, Blair appeared at her first Olympic games at age 19 in Sarajevo. Parry, Melanie, ed. They have two children. [16] Blair won both the 500 meter and 1500 meter at the West Allis event, and was considered one of the U.S. team's strongest medal contenders. Leo was born on January 4 1898, in Bountiful, Davis, Utah, United States. Blair won events at 1984, 1985 and 1986 short-track world championships and was the 1986 overall short-track world champion. Of the six, five were gold, making Blair the only American woman to ever win five gold medals in the games. New York Times (February 9, 1987): 166. This victory was bittersweet for Blair, since she knew it was to be the last Olympics in which she would compete. Myrtle was born on July 26 1899, in Manassa, Conejos, Colorado, United States. She ran wherever her coach decided he was missing a bodyon the long jump, high jump, short distances, and relays. [5]:44, Blair again competed at Olympics in 1992, this time held in Albertville, France. To celebrate, she climbed into the stands, still wearing her skates, to hug her family and friends. Encyclopedia.com. In 1987, she won the World Cup in both the 500 and 1000 meter races. Atlanta Journal and Constitution, February 9, 1998. Join Facebook to connect with Bonnie Blair and others you may know. "Blair, Bonnie The youngster was named for a close family friend, who was also a skater. [1][3] Already a hobby for her siblings, Bonnie first tried skating at age two. She was only 5'5" and 125-130 lbs. private siblings' names; private children's names (1) spouse's name and marriage information; Notable Sports Figures. Brand, David. "Blair, Bonnie Cycling became part of Blair's speed skating training as both sports utilized the same muscle groups. Before Priestner, Blair only competed in short-track, pack-style racing. Noden, Merrell. Sherrow, Victoria. She was the daughter of Charlie and Eleanor Blair, who raised their large Catholic family in Champaign, Illinois. [27] Blair also took a break from skating, enrolling in Montana Technological University. Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives, Thematic Series: Sports Figures. Training remained her focus, however. Winning doesn't always mean being first. Blair was forced to rely on superior technique and a ferocious will to win because of her physical limitations. Though the race was not great, in part because the ice surface was too warm, the victory made Blair the first woman to win gold in consecutive Winter Olympic games. [40][41] Blair became involved with Right to Play, When the Winter Olympics returned to the United States in 2002, Blair was one of the final torchbearers to carry the Olympic flame into Rice-Eccles Stadium for the opening ceremony in Salt Lake City, Utah. [18], Early in 1987, Blair won World Cup titles in the 500 and 1,000 meters. She won the 500 meters with a time of 39.1 seconds and the 1000 meters with a time of 1:18.74. Blair was the only American to win two medals at these games, and was given the honor of carrying the American flag at the closing ceremonies. "People on the outside are like, 'Your mom is Bonnie Blair!' " Cruikshank said. At the time, Blair trained in both short-track and long-track speed skating. [20] Blair continued on to the 1995 World Championships in her adopted home town of Milwaukee. [51][52] Grant Cruikshank played hockey at Colorado College and as of 2021 for the University of Minnesota. Priestner profoundly affected Blair's direction as a speed skater. Though she did well at the meet, she did not make the team. Encyclopedia.com. [50] The pair married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1996. Blair trained every morning before school and her discipline paid off; at age fifteen she qualified for the U.S. Olympic trials, but narrowly missed making the team. Looney, Douglas S. "Sprinting to Calgary." Sports Illustrated (February 7, 1994): 90. She achieved personal bests in all four of her events and recorded the fastest time of any junior in three of them. Blair dedicated her successes in Albertville to the memory of her father, who had died on Christmas Day 1989. Now a world-class speed skater, Blair went on to set a world speed skating record in 1987, racing 500 meters in 39.43 seconds. Ye Qiaobo was expected to challenge Bonnie Blair in Calgary's 1988 Olympic . Recognized as one of track and field history's most accomplished sprinters, Evelyn Ashford is, Moses, Edwin 1955 "Bonnie Blair," Infoplease.com, http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0109013.html (March 10, 2003). [28] She skipped the first two World Cup events of the 1989 season. Her stellar performance at the 1992 Olympics also earned Blair the Sullivan Award as the Best Amateur Athlete in the United States. After being born in Cornwall, N.Y., Blair moved with her family to the Midwest and was raised in Champaign, Ill. She took to speed skating like her older siblings. Veteran entertainer, TV presenter and dancer Lionel Blair has died aged 92, his agent has said. Bonnie Parker was born on October 1, 1910. The following summer Blair moved to Butte, Montana, where she enrolled at the Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology. Noden, Merrell. As a teenager Blair began to take the sport more seriously. She was on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Blair continued to serve on the board for U.S. Johnson, Anne Janette. She was the youngest of six children, all of whom learned to skate at an early age. ", Blair competed as a speed skater one more season following her last Olympic win. In addition to the MLA, Chicago, and APA styles, your school, university, publication, or institution may have its own requirements for citations. After the 1994 Olympics, Blair received more honors and product endorsement offers. For nearly a decade betw, Heiden, Eric "I just thought it was the right time," she said of her retirement to This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bonnie-Blair, Bonnie Blair - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). [7][39] Less than a month after Lillehammer Olympics, Blair set another world record in the 500 meters, becoming the first female to complete the race in under 39 seconds, achieving a time of 38.99 seconds. Moving on, she has a net worth of approximately $1.5 million dollars. Sports Illustrated (February 24, 1992): 18. At the 1988 Games in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she was a favourite in the sprint events and earned a gold in the 500-metre event and a bronze in the 1,000-metre event. . Refer to each styles convention regarding the best way to format page numbers and retrieval dates. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Bonnie Blair At the time, Blair worked as the secretary of the Retail Clerks International Union, which has since become part of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1529. Bonnie Blair is a retired American speed skater. Blair was born on March 18, 1964, in Cornwall, New York, the youngest of six children. We can also contact her at bonnie.hoellein@gmail.com for more information. She won gold at the 1988 Olympics in Calgary. Newsday (February 6, 1994): 16. https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/blair-bonnie, "Blair, Bonnie Blair made her Olympic debut in Sarajevo in 1984 where she finished eighth in the 500 meters. Known as "The Flying Finn" and "The King of Runners," he do, Bonnie and Clyde (Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow), Bonnevault, Pierre (ca. Bonnie Kathleen Blair (born March 18, 1964) is a retired American speed skater. Bonnie Blair-Cruikshank's 21-year old daughter, Blair, has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be able to compete in this week's U.S. long track speedskating Olympic trials at the. Bonnie Blair was born on 18 March, 1964 in Cornwall, New York, United States, is an American speed skater. There she won her first Olympic gold medal in the 500 meters and a bronze medal in the 1,000 meter. American speed skater Bonnie Blair won six medals competing in three Winter Olympics Games, the second most medals won by a woman in the Winter Olympic Games (the first was Lydia Skoblikova ).