Hans Gerschwiler obit

Hans Gerschwiler Obituary

 

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Hans Gerschwiler, 96, of Pinehurst North Carolina passed away peacefully on September 27th surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 20, 1921 near Zurich Switzerland to Johann and Ida Rosa Gerschwiler. Hans traveled to England where he became a legendary figure skater coached by his uncles Jacque and Arnold. Hans won both the World Figure Skating Championship and European Figure Skating Championship in 1947. In 1948, he was a silver medalist behind American icon Dick Button in both the Olympics in St. Moritz Switzerland and the European Championship. Not surprisingly, respectful of each others' world class talent, the two competitors remained life long friends. It would be 58 years until another Swiss skater medaled at the Olympics. Hans was considered one of the best school skaters in the world and directed his talent toward teaching and training skaters in Canada and the U.S. He began his coaching career in Schumacher Canada where he met his wife Nancy Jane Clarke of Toronto. Hans is survived by his wife Nancy of 64 years, along with four children, Linda Sue Labbett (Brian Labbett). Geoffery Gerschwiler, Nancy Jill Gerschwiler-Steck (Paul Steck), Hans Peter Gerschwiler (Miriam Garcia Gerschwiler). A son, David Arnold predeceased him. Grandfather to Nick Labbett, Trishia Botting, Megan Farrell, Julia Steck, Bradley Gerschwiler, Brian Steck, Gabrielle Gerschwiler, Hans Anthony Gerschwiler. Great Grandfather to Wesley and Ella Botting. He will be sadly missed. Funeral services will be private.

Early Life and Training

Hans Gerschwiler, a Swiss figure skater, was born and raised in Switzerland. He began skating at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the sport. His uncle, Jacques Gerschwiler, became his coach and mentor, guiding him through his early training years.

International Debut and World War II

In 1939, Gerschwiler made his international debut at the European Championships, where he placed fifth. However, the outbreak of World War II in 1940 brought a halt to all international competitions. Gerschwiler was living in England at the time, and while his uncle returned to Switzerland, he chose to remain in the UK. During the war years, Gerschwiler had little time for figure skating, as he was occupied with his work.

Post-War Success

After the war, Gerschwiler quickly re-emerged as a force in the world of figure skating. In 1947, he won both the European Championships and the World Championships, the first to be held after the war. The World Championships were notable for the participation of a strong group of young American skaters, including the legendary Dick Button.

Rivalry with Dick Button

The competition between Gerschwiler and Button was intense, with both skaters pushing the boundaries of figure skating. In the 1947 World Championships, Gerschwiler triumphed in the compulsory figures but lost the free skating to Button. Despite this, he won the overall title by a narrow margin of three to two. The controversial result led to a heated debate about the relative importance of compulsory figures and free skating.

Olympic Success and Retirement

Gerschwiler capped off his competitive career by winning the silver medal at the 1948 Winter Olympics. He then retired from amateur competition, having left an indelible mark on the sport of figure skating.

Legacy

Until 2005, when Stephane Lambiel won the world championship, Hans Gerschwiler remained the only Swiss male skater to have won a world title. He is remembered as one of the most successful Swiss figure skaters of all time and a pioneer of the modern era, where compulsory figures and free skating existed side by side.