Mabel Fairbanks [Figure Skating]
United States Professional Skating Association, March 25, 1916
New York City, New York
Developing her skills at the ice rink in Central Park, Mabel Fairbanks performed with the Rhapsody on Ice and Frost Follies. Without informing them of her race, Fairbanks obtained membership in the USPSA. She became a coach to Olympians Scott Hamilton, Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner, and Kristi Yamaguchi. In 1997 she was the first African-American coach inducted in the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

Atoy Wilson [Figure Skating]
U.S. Figure Skating Championships, 1966
Berkeley, California
Atoy Wilson was the first African-American man to win a national figure skating title in the men's novice category of the U.S. National Championships. He also competed in the men's juniors in Philadelphia in 1968.

Tai Babilonia [Figure Skating]
U.S.Figure Skating Championships, 1976
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Tai Babilonia, of African-American and Filipino ancestry, and her skating partner Randy Gardner, won the first of five U.S. pairs championships (1976-1980). In 1979, they were the World Pairs Champions. Although they represented the U.S. at the 1980 Winter Olympic games, they had to withdraw when Gardner was injured.

Bobby Beauchamp [Figure Skating]
World Junior Figure Skating Championships, 1979
Santa Monica, California
Bobby Beauchamp was the first African-American man to win a silver medal in international skating competition at the world junior championship in Augsburg, West Germany.

Debra "Debi" Thomas [Figure Skating]
U.S. and World Figure Skating Championship, 1986
Poughkeepsie, New York
In 1986, New York-born Debi Thomas became the first African American women's figure skater to capture the U.S. and World Championship. Two years later, Debi went on to win the bronze medal at the 1988 Calgary Olympic games.