Slavka Kohout
Encyclopedia
Slavka Kohout is an American
figure skating
coach, best known for coaching 5-time U.S. Champion Janet Lynn
throughout her entire competitive career.
for 17 years. During that period, the Wagon Wheel rink -- part of a larger resort complex -- was one of the top figure skating training centers in the United States. Kohout coached not only Lynn but also 3-time U.S. champion Gordon McKellen
, several other international competitors, and other skaters who have gone on to become prominent coaches or skating judges.
She was inducted into the United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame
in 2002.
in 1973. They had children Emily and Edward together, but have since divorced. In later years, Kohout continued to coach in the New York City
area.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
figure skating
Figure skating
Figure skating is an Olympic sport in which individuals, pairs, or groups perform spins, jumps, footwork and other intricate and challenging moves on ice skates. Figure skaters compete at various levels from beginner up to the Olympic level , and at local, national, and international competitions...
coach, best known for coaching 5-time U.S. Champion Janet Lynn
Janet Lynn
Janet Lynn Nowicki is an American figure skater and Olympic bronze medalist.-Amateur career:Lynn began to skate almost as soon as she could walk and took part in her first exhibition performance at the age of four in a group number at Chicago Stadium...
throughout her entire competitive career.
Career
As a skater, Kohout was twice the Midwestern sectional senior ladies champion, and she won the bronze medal in the 1950 U.S. junior ladies championships. After turning professional, she was manager and head coach at the Wagon Wheel Ice Palace in Rockton, IllinoisRockton, Illinois
Rockton is a village in Winnebago County, Illinois, United States located on the banks of the Rock River. It is part of the Rockford, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area...
for 17 years. During that period, the Wagon Wheel rink -- part of a larger resort complex -- was one of the top figure skating training centers in the United States. Kohout coached not only Lynn but also 3-time U.S. champion Gordon McKellen
Gordon McKellen
Gordon "Gordie" McKellen Jr. is a former American figure skater. He found his career path early thanks to his father, Gordon "Tuffy" McKellen of the famous 1940's ice skating duo, the . He is the 1973-1975 United States national champion. He placed tenth at the 1972 Olympics...
, several other international competitors, and other skaters who have gone on to become prominent coaches or skating judges.
She was inducted into the United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame
United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame
The United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame serves as a repository for the sport of figure skating. The United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame is where the greatest names in the history of the sport are honored. To be inducted into the Hall of Fame is considered the highest achievement an...
in 2002.
Personal
Kohout left Wagon Wheel when she married Dick ButtonDick Button
Richard Totten "Dick" Button is an American former figure skater and a well-known long-time skating television analyst. He is a two-time Olympic Champion and five-time World Champion...
in 1973. They had children Emily and Edward together, but have since divorced. In later years, Kohout continued to coach in the New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
area.