Ice on Fire

The 1980s were… a different time. I was a young sailor, and it was a big wide world. But it was also a world that was fixed in its divisions. There was them… and there was us. Since February of 1980, the sports world had been dominated by that “them vs us” mindset, and it wasn’t getting any less intense.

In 1985, the singer Elton John released his Ice on Fire album which featured the video for his song “Nikita,” about what was clearly an East German Border Guard who was being longed after by a westerner who found her so beautiful and captivating he simply couldn’t get her out of his head. It’s still a great video and song, and its on my playlists.

And then… in Calgary in 1988, there was Katarina.

Sitting in front of the TV was me, a western Naval sailor with big dreams. And there was Katarina, an East German skater who was simply the most beautiful and elegant woman I had ever seen. She won the Gold (again)… and my heart.

She is still my all-time favorite skater, even ahead of Patrick Roy…

Katarina Witt, born on December 3, 1965, in Staaken, East Germany (now part of Berlin), is a retired German figure skater and one of the most successful skaters of her era. Her career is marked by numerous achievements and a lasting impact on the world of figure skating.

Witt began skating at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks in East Germany. Under the coaching of Jutta Müller, she developed into a formidable competitor. Her skating style was known for its elegance, charisma, and strong technical skills, which set her apart from her contemporaries.

Her first major international success came at the European Championships, where she won six consecutive titles from 1983 to 1988. Witt also excelled in the World Championships, winning four gold medals in 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1988.

However, it was her Olympic performances that truly cemented her status as a figure skating legend. Witt won gold medals at the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics and the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, becoming one of the few skaters to win back-to-back Olympic titles. Her victory in Calgary was particularly notable for her artistic and technically sophisticated free skate to Georges Bizet’s “Carmen.”

Beyond competition, Witt gained fame for her charisma and star quality. She was known for her ability to captivate audiences, both on and off the ice. This appeal led to a career in show business and television after her competitive skating career ended.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent reunification of Germany, Witt’s personal story gained additional layers. She became a symbol of the reunification process and a bridge between the former East and West Germany.

Post-retirement, Witt has remained active in the figure skating community. She has been involved in various charitable endeavors, television projects, and skating shows, using her fame to promote the sport and various social causes.

Katarina Witt’s legacy in figure skating is marked by her athletic achievements, her influence on the artistry of the sport, and her role as a cultural ambassador both during and after her competitive career. Her journey from an East German athlete to an international icon is a testament to her talent, determination, and charisma.