"Reaching For the Stars" 2025 Gala Honorees

Tenley Albright is a former American figure skater who made history as the first U.S. woman to win an Olympic gold medal in figure skating at the 1956 Winter Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Before that, she had already secured a silver medal at the 1952 Olympics and won five U.S. national championships and a world championship in 1953. Her grace, athleticism, and determination helped pave the way for future generations of female figure skaters in the United States.

Beyond her achievements on the ice, Albright’s story is one of resilience. As a teenager, she overcame a severe bout of polio, a disease that temporarily left her unable to walk, before making a triumphant return to skating. After retiring from competition, she shifted her focus to academics, attending Harvard Medical School and becoming a highly respected surgeon. She balanced her medical career with her continued involvement in figure skating, mentoring young athletes and advocating for the sport.

Throughout her life, Albright remained an inspiration both in athletics and medicine. She served on various boards, promoted health initiatives, and continued to be an ambassador for figure skating. Her legacy endures not only as an Olympic champion but also as a trailblazer who proved that excellence can be achieved in multiple fields.