David Jenkins
David Jenkins at the 1956 Olympics
Born (1936-06-29) June 29, 1936
Akron, Ohio, U.S.
Figure skating career
CountryUnited States
Skating clubBroadmoor SC
Retired1960
Medal record
Representing  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place1960 Squaw ValleySingles
Bronze medal – third place1956 Cortina d'AmpezzoSingles
World Championships
Gold medal – first place1959 Colorado SpringsSingles
Gold medal – first place1958 ParisSingles
Gold medal – first place1957 Colorado SpringsSingles
Bronze medal – third place1956 Garmisch-PartenkirchenSingles
Bronze medal – third place1955 ViennaSingles
North American Championships
Gold medal – first place1957 RochesterSingles
Silver medal – second place1955 ReginaSingles

David Wilkinson Jenkins (born June 29, 1936) is an American former figure skater. He is the 1960 Olympic champion, the 1956 Olympic bronze medalist, a three-time World champion, and a four-time U.S. national champion.

Personal life

Jenkins was born on June 29, 1936, in Akron, Ohio.[1] He is the younger brother of Hayes Alan Jenkins,[2] also an American former figure skater.

He studied at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine during his competitive career.[3] He took a leave of absence during his time with Ice Follies.[4] After graduating in 1963, he became a practicing physician.[1][5]

Jenkins graduated with an M.D. in 1963 and immediately after served two years in the U.S. Air Force. In June of 1965 he married Barbara Ruth Boling and settled in Tulsa, where he became a gastroenterologist. Neither his wife nor his three children skate.[6]

Skating career

Jenkins won his first senior national medal, silver, at the 1954 U.S. Championships. His first world medal, bronze, came at the 1955 World Championships. He received the bronze medal at the 1956 Winter Olympics while his brother won the gold.[1]

The brothers received financial support from the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and a foundation.[2]

In 1957, David Jenkins became the U.S. national champion and won the first of his three consecutive world titles. He performed a triple Axel jump in a 1957 exhibition, 21 years before that jump was landed for the first time in competition.[3]

After taking his fourth consecutive national title,[7] he won the gold medal at the 1960 Winter Olympics.[1] Edi Scholdan served as his coach.[3]

Following the 1960 Olympics, Jenkins declined to compete at the 1960 World Figure Skating Championships and turned professional, joining the Ice Follies.[4]

Competitive highlights

International
Event 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960
Winter Olympics3rd1st
World Championships4th3rd3rd1st1st1st
North American Champ.2nd1st
National
U.S. Championships2nd2nd3rd1st1st1st1st

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "David Jenkins". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on October 22, 2017.
  2. 1 2 Elliott, Helene (January 7, 2002). "In Long Run, Little Things Remain". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on November 18, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
  3. 1 2 3 Warsinskey, Tim (February 18, 2010). "Akron native David Jenkins still feels urge to compete, 50 years after winning gold". The Plain Dealer. cleveland.com. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015.
  4. 1 2 "News About Skaters", Skating magazine, November 1960
  5. ↑ "Notable Alumni". Case Western Reserve University. Archived from the original on October 21, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
  6. ↑ "Jenkins, David Wilkinson | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2021-02-18.
  7. ↑ "Past U.S. Champions – Senior" (PDF). Archived from the original on February 9, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
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