Full name Louis Rubenstein Former coach Jackson Haines Country represented Canada | Home town Montreal Name Louis Rubenstein | |
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Born September 23, 1861 ( 1861-09-23 ) Died January 3, 1931, Montreal, Canada | ||
Organizations founded Skate Canada | ||
Louis Rubenstein Cincinnati OH, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Louis Rubenstein (September 23, 1861, in Montreal – January 3, 1931) was a Canadian figure skater, sportsman and politician. Rubenstein is considered the "Father of Canadian Figure Skating." After retirement from skating in 1892, Rubenstein became involved in the sports of bowling, curling, and cycling. He was elected president of the Canadian Bowling Association in 1895, president of the International Skating Union of America in 1909. He was alderman in St. Louis ward in Montreal from 1916 until 1931.
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Biography
Rubenstein was born and raised in Montreal. His parents were Polish Jews who had fled Russian rule. He was coached by Jackson Haines.
Rubenstein was chosen to represent Canada in an unofficial international championships that were one of the precursors of the World Figure Skating Championships, in St. Petersburg, Russia. Although being subject of a great deal of antisemitism there, he won the gold medal.
Rubenstein helped organize the Amateur Skating Association of Canada, now known as Skate Canada. He served as the organization's president from its foundation until 1930.
He was President of the International Skating Union of America 1907–09, President of the Canadian Wheelmen's Association for 18 years, and President of the Montréal Amateur Athletic Association 1913–15.
Rubenstein was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1981 and the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1984.
There is a memorial water fountain dedicated to Rubenstein in Montreal at Fletcher's Field at the corner of Park Avenue and Mount Royal Avenues.
Rubenstein served as a Montreal alderman for 17 years. In 2016, he was named a National Historic Person.