Ice Breaker: How Mabel Fairbanks Changed Figure Skating by Rose Viña

Description

"In the 1930's, only white figure skaters were allowed in public ice rinks and to compete for gold medals, but Mabel Fairbanks wouldn't let that stop her. With skates two sizes too big and a heart full of dreams, Mabel beat the odds and broke down color barriers through sheer determination and athletic skill. After skating in ice shows across the nation and helping coach and develop the talents of several Olympic champions, Mabel became the first African-American woman to be inducted into show more the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame"-- show less

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Salsabrarian 3,568 reviews

I may have heard of Mabel Fairbanks in relation to skaters Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner way back when, but reading this book made me realize and appreciate who she was: A Black figure skater who experienced discrimination in the sport but went on to perform, coach, and encourage skaters of color. Going down a rabbit hole, I learned that US Figure Skating provides grants to BIPOC skaters from a fund named for Mabel Fairbanks.

Feb 13, 2026

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SableShepherdessNYC 247 reviews

Jan 12, 2025

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