Toller Cranston Dead At 65

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, Mexico — Legendary figure skater Toller Cranston, a six-time national champion whose unique artistic vision forever changed the sport, has died. He was 65.

Cranston, who won bronze medals at the 1974 world championships in Munich and the 1976 Innsbruck Olympics, died at his home in Mexico from an apparent heart attack, a Skate Canada spokesperson said Saturday.

 

"It's sad to hear that," former Canadian champ Mike Slipchuk said from this year's national championships in Kingston, Ont. "Toller was the face of skating, what he did for skating in Canada and skating in the world is where we are now — really forcing the creative side of the sport.

"He was the one who really pushed those limits forward."

 

Cranston, who was born in Hamilton and grew up in Kirkland Lake, Ont., and Montreal, never won an Olympic or world title but his dramatic showmanship had a profound impact on figure skating.

He later settled in Mexico and focused on his art, with his work exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.

 

  

I see remember watching this guy skate with more joy and energy than everyone else around him. He inspired a whole generation of Canadian figure skaters, many who went on to dominate the World rankings for decades to follow. He was the complete package. Both athlete and showman. He gave figure skating credibility in my eyes. Even hockey players could look upon a Toller Cranston and marvel at what he did. He was that good in his day. He made you stop to pay attention. In Canada, to stand out like that makes one really special.