Olympic Bronze Medalist, Professional Figure Skater, and Artist. He is recognized internationally for his painting and is regarded as having revolutionized men's figure skating with his artistic freedom of movement. He received a pair of hockey skates at the age of 7 and began experimenting with skating on his own. Impressed by his ability, Eva Vasak started coaching him at no charge when he was 11. He had a physical setback but won the 1964 Canadian Junior Championship at the age of 13. After high school, he attended the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Montreal until he grew tired of his studies, preferring to strike out and become an artist on his own merit. He had his first one-man exhibit in 1971 and with a total of 250 exhibits, his painting funded his skating goals. Dividing his time between skating and painting was difficult and he did not have much further skating success until he began working with a new coach Ellen Burka in Toronto. As a result, he placed 3rd in the Canadian championships in 1969 and 2nd in 1970. His dislike of structure and authority inspired him to be a creative force in his skating moves and costuming. He gained a reputation as being the most innovative and artistic skater of his time, especially illustrated by his spins and jumps. He won the 1971 to 1976 Canadian national championships, 1974 world championship bronze medal and 1976 Olympic bronze medal at the Winter Games in Innsbruck, Austria. He then began his professional skating career, touring in "The Ice Show," "Holiday on Ice," and performing at Radio City Music Hall with Peggy Fleming. His television skating specials for CBC won many awards, and he also appeared in "Stars on Ice," "The Big Show," and many other TV shows and specials, a short film, and a music video. His skating honors include induction into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, Canada's Walk of Fame and the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame. He is a member of the Order of Canada. After being dismissed from CBC for his overly frank figure skating commentary and a disastrous stint coaching an unstable skater, he began using drugs and was unable to paint. He was able to make positive changes in his life, sold his home in Toronto, and moved to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. He continued performing for a few years, then broke his leg and retired from professional skating. He focused on his art, continued to have museum and gallery displays and art exhibitions around the world.