Rosalynn Sumners
Olympic Figure Skater
Born April 20, 1964

Rosalynn Sumners is a former Olympic figure skater from Seattle, Washington.

Sumners began her figure skating career at age 7, when she began lessons in a town nearby her hometown of Seattle. She was coached by Lorraine Bowman who was credited with establishing her student’s artistry as the strong point in her skating.

Rosalynn’s artistry helped her win three US national championships during her time as a figure skater, as well as the 1983 World Championship, and a silver medal at the 1984 Olympic Games.

Following her second place finish at the ’84 games, once a woman of great faith, gave up her faith as she blamed God for her inability to reach the mountain top at the Olympics – falling short of gold medalist Katarina Witt by one tenth of a point.

Following the Olympics, Sumners turned pro, and in doing so – left God behind. However, after two years spent touring with Disney’s World On Ice, Rosalynn began to feel overworked and contemplated retiring from skating.

Despite reaching rock bottom, though, Sumners was able to climb out of her self-induced hole when former Olympic teammate Scott Hamilton offered her a job, and she reluctantly accepted. From that time forward, Sumners returned to her former self, and began maturing and growing as a performer – which was a stark contrast from her time spent as a competitive skater.

As her professional life turned around, so did her faith. Once again realizing she needed God in her life in order to completely turn things around, Rosalynn was introduced back to the Lord by her production manager – and rededicated her life to him.

Since that time, although she endures a hectic schedule, ‘Roz’ never forgets to call upon Him in her down time. Her favorite bible verse: Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. – Matthew 11:29

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Alex Brasky is the creator of local sports website www.bataviasbest.org.