Frank Carroll, a beloved figure skating coach, passed away at the age of 85 after battling cancer. Carroll, who coached Olympic champions Michelle Kwan and Evan Lysacek, was known for his quick wit, humor, and love for the sport. He described figure skating as a divine sport, involving athleticism, strength, musical interpretation, emotion, and flowing costumes. Carroll’s coaching style and sense of humor endeared him to the skating community, and he left a lasting impact on the sport.
Carroll’s coaching career began after a tragic plane crash in 1961 that took the lives of his coach Maribel Vinson Owen and the entire U.S. figure skating team. He started coaching in Los Angeles after a brief stint in acting and went on to mentor numerous national and world champions. Skaters like Michelle Kwan credit Carroll for not only teaching them skating skills but also imparting knowledge and shaping their characters.
Carroll’s influence extended beyond the ice rink, with skaters and colleagues praising his intelligence, discipline, courage, and kindness. He was inducted into the U.S. and World Figure Skating Halls of Fame for his contributions to the sport. Carroll’s legacy lives on through the skaters he coached, who continue to draw inspiration from his teachings and mentorship. His dedication to excellence and passion for figure skating have left an indelible mark on the sport and those who knew him.
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