Tim Brown 1961 US National Figure Skating Championships FS

Tim Brown's intriguing freeskate from thsi event. Tim was clearly ill during this competition and as he jumps off the ice at the end of his program he went straight to the dressing room where he received medical attention. It was this illness which ultimately saved his life, as Tim had to withdraw from the US team and 16 year old Doug Ramsey was appointed in his place.

[@1ACL]

I love this! Wish modern skaters were more creative and quirky. He was brave to be himself.

[@PecanSandees23]

That was the most unusal program I've ever seen, especially the ending. You're right; it did save his life. God bless the 1961 World Team.

[@OldDancingVideos]

beautiful

[@Timzart7]

Tim had an undiagnosed heart condition, which flared while at altitude (6000 feet) in Colorado Springs for this competition. As bronze medalist, he was to be an alternate at Worlds, and thus would have been on the plane that crashed with the rest of the US figure skating team.. Because of his newly diagnosed heart condition, he stayed home, and Doug Ramsay (4th place) went in his place.

[@fizzao1342]

Timzart7 I’ve read that he had rheumatic fever which caused cardiac problems and that he never skated again after this performance.

[@smooshiebear80]

@@fizzao1342 If that’s true, then it’s a shame that the one athlete that survived never competed again, either.

[@faeryquene]

I have read Tim Brown had survivor's guilt, and even wrote a letter apologizing to Doug Ramsey (the 4th place finisher) who as alternate flew on the ill-fated Sabena flight to Worlds. So sad. :( But it was not his time. God bless you Tim!

[@PecanSandees23]

@faeryquene Wow, I had no idea. He skated with a heart condition? Talk about determination. Bless them all.

[@faeryquene]

@PecanSandees23 He jumped off and had to hurry to the dressing room with the nurse following behind. He was already experiencing illness from his heart condition, or so I've read.

[@nondescriptnyc]

I may be wrong, but I think I can see where Mr. Sheldon Galbraith and his student, Gary Beacom, might have gotten their choreographic inspirations!

[@HattieLovesCattie]

@faeryquene He still living?? Will google him.

[@tonysam1955]

He died September 14, 1989, at the age of 51.

[@smooshiebear80]

Thank you for the info. So sad that he died young, too.

[@HattieLovesCattie]

@faeryquene I just Googled him.He died of aids in the late 1980's.