Kurt Browning
World Champion
Biography
Born in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta and raised in Caroline, Alberta, Browning is a four-time Canadian figure skating champion and four-time World Champion. He represented Canada in three Winter Olympics, 1988 (finishing 8th overall), 1992 (6th) and 1994 (5th), and was given the privilege of carrying the Canadian flag during the opening ceremonies of the 1994 games in Lillehammer, Norway. Browning's other achievements are numerous, including three Canadian Professional Championships, three World Professional Championships, a Lou Marsh Trophy for top Canadian athlete (in 1990), Lionel Conacher Award winner (1990 and 1991), Order of Canada recipient (in 1990), an American Skating World Professional Skater of the Year Award (in 1998), and a Gustav Lussi Award from the Professional Skaters' Association (in 2001). He is also known as the Wayne Gretzky of figure skating due to his achievements, contributions to the sport and popularity in Canada.
On March 25, 1988 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Browning landed the first quadruple jump ever in competition. This accomplishment is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Browning is also known for his footwork.
He was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 and Canada's Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2001. He also appeared in the 2006 FOX television program Skating with Celebrities. Most recently, Kurt received the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Skating Union.
His energy and talent are welcomed by his fans, and embraced by his fellow skaters. An absolute craftsman on skates, Kurt's natural humor and rapport with the audience will always be an obvious highlight of his performance.
For five seasons, Kurt has been a part of the popular CBC reality series Battle of the Blades. He has enjoyed his time on the show as a judge and a performer, as well as a co-host working with Ron MacLean.
He has provided color commentary for figure skating competitions on NBC and ABC, and is currently working for CBC. Kurt is looking forward to his 29th year with Stars on Ice.
