Hedy Stenuf
Hedy Stenuf Byram was an Austrian figure skater who later competed for France and the United States. Representing the United States, she became a two-time World [Figure Skating Championships|World] medalist.
Life and career
Stenuf was born in Vienna with the name Hedwig Stenuf. Her father Joseph Stenuf moved to Rochester where he worked as an accountant before he was joined by Stenuf, her mother Caroline and younger brother Theodore in 1937.She first became known in the United States in 1934, when as an eleven-year-old she accompanied the Austrian champion Karl [Schäfer (figure skater)|Karl Schäfer] on an exhibition tour in North America. The following season, she began appearing at major international competitions, placing 7th at the 1935 [European Figure Skating Championships|1935 European Championships] and fourth at the World Figure Skating Championships|1935 World Championships], which were held in her hometown of Vienna. She was considered a strong challenger to reigning champion Sonja Henie.
At the 1936 [Winter Olympics], Stenuf finished sixth in the Figure skating at the [1936 Winter Olympics – Ladies' singles|singles competition].
Later in 1937, she switched to competing for France, and then in 1938, to the United States. She won bronze and silver medals at the World Championships in 1938 and 1939, respectively. In addition to her accomplishments in single skating, she also competed in pair skating with partner Skippy Baxter; the pair won silver at the 1940 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
In 1943 Stenuf married Dixon Beale Perry-Smith, the third son of Oliver Perry-Smith. At her death she went by the name Hedy Stenuf Byram.