Origins & Early Life

Magdalena Cecilia Colledge (28 November 1920 – 12 April 2008) was a British figure skater. She was the 1936 Olympic silver medalist, the 1937 World Champion, the 1937–1939 European Champion, and a six-time (1935–1939, 1946) British national champion. Colledge is credited as being the first female skater to perform a double jump, as well as being the inventor of both the camel spin and the layback spin. Cecilia Colledge grew up in London.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Her father, Lionel, was a surgeon researching the treatment of throat cancer, and her mother, Margaret, was the daughter of Admiral John Brackenbury. She had one sibling, a brother named Maule who served in the Royal Air Force and died in 1943 during World War II. It is believed the cause of his death was a collision with a Lancaster Bomber piloted by David Maltby, who also died in the crash. Colledge never married and had no children. She died on 12 April 2008 at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Colledge began skating after watching the 1928 World Championships, which were held in London. Her mother, Margaret, had been invited by the mother of Maribel Vinson. At the event, Cecilia was inspired by the...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alberto Sordi — Contemporary (Born in 1920) (1920): Pillar of Italian Cinema, master of Commedia all'italiana comedy.
• Alfred Peet — Contemporary (Born in 1920) (1920): Dutch-American founder credited with starting the US specialty coffee revolution.
• Amedeo Modigliani — Contemporary (Died in 1920) (1920): Italian painter and sculptor known for elongated, modern portraits and nudes.
• Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn — Contemporary (Died in 2008) (2008): Dissident author who exposed Soviet repression, notably the Gulag system.
• Arthur C. Clarke — Contemporary (Died in 2008) (2008): Pioneering science fiction writer, futurist, and popularizer of space travel.
• Bo Diddley — Contemporary (Died in 2008) (2008): Pioneering blues guitarist whose signature rhythm influenced rock, pop, and hip-hop.
• ʻAbdu'l-Bahá — Shared historical date (11-28 · Died) (1921): Successor to Baháʼu'lláh and guiding light of the Baháʼí Faith.
• Adria Petty — Shared historical date (11-28 · Born) (1974): American director, editor, and artist known for music video work with Beyoncé.
• Alan Paton — Shared historical date (04-12 · Died) (1988): Pioneering South African author and fierce anti-apartheid activist.
• Ali al-Rida — Shared historical date (04-12 · Born) (770): The Eighth Shia Imam, renowned for his piety and profound scholarly works.
• 1920 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1920
• November 28 (11-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 28
• 2008 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2008
• April 12 (04-12) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 12