Figure Skating Icon Dorothy Hamill Celebrates 50 Years Since Olympic Gold

The 69-year-old figure skating legend reflects on her historic 1976 Olympic victory and life since

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Figure skating icon Dorothy Hamill, who won Olympic gold in 1976, was in the stands cheering on Team USA at the 2026 Olympics in Milan, 50 years after her own historic victory. Hamill, now 69, opened up about the emotions of standing on the Olympic podium at just 19 years old and the challenges she has faced since, including depression, breast cancer, and the tragic loss of her daughter.

Why it matters

Hamill's Olympic triumph and the iconic "Hamill Haircut" she inspired made her one of the most recognizable and influential figures in figure skating history. Her story highlights the immense pressure and personal struggles that often come with achieving such remarkable athletic success at a young age, as well as the lasting impact Olympians can have on their sport and popular culture.

The details

Hamill won Olympic gold in 1976 at the age of 19, becoming the last individual skater to win with a routine that didn't include a triple jump. She went on to win a world championship a few weeks later before retiring from competitive skating to turn professional. Hamill has since been open about her battles with depression and breast cancer, but has also remained involved in the sport through TV specials, touring, and cheering on the next generation of U.S. figure skaters.

  • Hamill won Olympic gold in 1976 at the age of 19.
  • A few weeks after her Olympic triumph, Hamill won the world championship.
  • Hamill was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and was declared cancer-free in 2010.
  • Hamill's only daughter, Alexandra Forsythe, passed away in November at the age of 37.
  • Hamill was in the stands cheering on Team USA at the 2026 Olympics in Milan, 50 years after her own Olympic victory.

The players

Dorothy Hamill

A figure skating icon who won Olympic gold in 1976 at the age of 19, becoming the last individual skater to win without a triple jump in her routine.

Alexandra Forsythe

Hamill's only daughter, who passed away in November at the age of 37.

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What they’re saying

“When you have that goal and you have that dream and it actually happens, you think that it would be a switch, and that all of a sudden you'd feel, you know, like an Olympic champion. And I didn't feel any different.”

— Dorothy Hamill (CBS Sunday Morning)

“Alexandra was the love of my life. She was just sweetness and funny. She had such a great sense of humor.”

— Dorothy Hamill (NBC Olympics)

What’s next

Hamill plans to continue cheering on the U.S. figure skating team and remaining involved in the sport she loves, while also honoring the memory of her late daughter.

The takeaway

Hamill's story is a poignant reminder that even the greatest athletic achievements can be accompanied by immense personal challenges. Her resilience and continued passion for figure skating, despite the ups and downs of her life, make her an inspiring figure for athletes and fans alike.