Sonya Klopfer Dunfield, the iconic U.S. champion figure skater, Olympian, and revered coach to stars like Dorothy Hamill, has passed away at the age of 90. Her death on August 7, 2025, marks the end of an era for the international skating community.
- Fast Fact: Who: Sonya Dunfield, Olympian & U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame Coach.
- Fast Fact: Age: 90.
- Fast Fact: Known For: Coaching champions like Dorothy Hamill & Elizabeth Manley.
- Fast Fact: Legacy: U.S. Champion, two-time World medalist, and Olympian.
A Legendary Career On and Off the Ice
Dunfield’s impact on figure skating spanned decades. After a decorated competitive career in the early 1950s, she captivated audiences in professional shows like Ice Capades and Holiday on Ice. Her transition to coaching alongside her husband, Peter Dunfield, marked a second legendary career, shaping the paths of champions including Dorothy Hamill, Elizabeth Manley, and Yuka Sato. Her induction into the United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2009 solidified her status as an icon of the sport.
Family Releases Heartfelt Tribute
In a heartfelt tribute on social media, her sons, Gregory and Roger Dunfield, remembered their mother’s powerful influence. “She was a force of nature in sport, who touched the lives of so many with her spirit, guidance and strength,” the statement read. “She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.” A memorial service is being planned for September 20 in Sun Valley, Idaho. Dunfield’s own words to SKATING magazine perfectly capture her spirit: “I want to help everybody learn to skate and love to skate. That’s my biggest joy.”
Image Referance: https://usfigureskating.org/news/2025/12/3/national-team-figure-skating-sonya-dunfield-passes-away.aspx