Olympic silver medallist and world champion pairs skater Dafoe dies at 86

OTTAWA — Frances Dafoe, a Canadian pairs figure skater who won a world title and an Olympic silver medal, has died at age 86.

Skate Canada confirmed Dafoe in a release that Dafoe died on Friday evening.

Dafoe, a native of Toronto, teamed with partner Norris Bowden to win pairs world titles in 1954 and 1955 and Olympic silver in 1956. They were the first Canadian duo to win a pairs world championship.

They also won four Canadian pairs titles from 1952-55 and a Canadian ice dance championship in 1952.

Dafoe was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1955, the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1958 and the Skate Canada Hall of Fame in 1993. She received the Order of Canada in 1991.

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She worked as an Olympic judge and costume designer after her skating career ended. She worked for CBC for close to 40 years designing costumes for various shows, and also designed the performers’ costumes for the closing ceremonies at the 1988 Olympic Winter Games.

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame said in a release that the Canadian flag at its facility in Calgary will fly at half-mast in honour of Dafoe.

“Dafoe’s impact on the figure skating world was enormous and her legacy will continue to inspire generations for years to come,” said Mario Siciliano, president and CEO of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, said in a statement.

The Canadian Press