Origins & Early Life

Robin John Cousins (born 17 August 1957) is a British former competitive figure skater who was BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1980. He was the 1980 Olympic champion, the 1980 European champion, a three-time World medalist (1978–1980) and four-time British national champion (1977–1980), winning all of these titles during his amateur career. He followed this with a successful career as a professional figure skater and later starred in ice shows as well as producing several of his own. He is able to spin in either direction, both clockwise and anti-clockwise, which is an unusual skill for a figure skater.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Off the ice, Cousins commentates on figure skating events for the BBC and was head judge on ITV's Dancing on Ice show from 2006 to 2014. He has also appeared in theatre productions, including the West End. Robin Cousins was born in Bristol to Jo, a secretary, and Fred, a civil servant, who was formerly a goalkeeper for Millwall F.C. Cousins has two older brothers, Martin and Nick. He attended Henbury School but left at the age of 15.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Cousins first stepped onto the ice at age six at Westover Road Ice Rink while on holiday in Bournemouth. Having enjoyed the experience...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aga Khan III — Contemporary (Died in 1957) (1957): 48th Imam of the Nizari Isma'ili community and founder of the All-India Muslim League.
• Aliko Dangote — Contemporary (Born in 1957) (1957): Nigerian billionaire founder of Dangote Group, a major industrial conglomerate.
• Arturo Toscanini — Contemporary (Died in 1957) (1957): Intense Italian conductor, master of orchestral detail, and pivotal figure in 20th-century music.
• Benny Wenda — Shared historical date (08-17 · Born) (1975): Prominent West Papuan independence leader and political activist.
• Chaleo Yoovidhya — Shared historical date (08-17 · Born) (1923): Pioneering Thai entrepreneur, originator of Krating Daeng and Red Bull.
• Beniamino Gigli — Historical peer (Died in 1957) (1957): Iconic Italian lyric tenor, celebrated for his powerful and emotive vocal artistry.
• Bobbi Brown — Historical peer (Born in 1957) (1957): Pioneering makeup artist and founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.
• Abby Wambach — Historical peer (Born in 1980) (1980): Iconic American soccer forward, celebrated for her goal-scoring prowess and longevity.
• Adande Thorne — Historical peer (Born in 1980) (1980): Trinidadian-American YouTuber, animator, comedian, and actor known as Swoozie.
• Adolf Dassler — Historical peer (Died in 1978) (1978): Pioneering German cobbler and inventor who founded the sportswear giant Adidas.
• 1957 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1957
• August 17 (08-17) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 17