Karl Schafer
AustraliaBiography of Karl Schäfer
Karl Schäfer, an Austrian figure skater, was born in Vienna, near the artificial ice rink of Eduard Engelmann Jr. At the age of 11, Schäfer's talent was noticed by coach Rudolf Kutzer. He was a multi-talented individual, excelling not only in figure skating but also in playing the violin. Schäfer was also the Austrian champion in breaststroke swimming and even participated in the 1928 Summer Olympics.
Moving to the United States
After retiring from his sports career in 1936, Karl Schäfer moved to the United States, where he worked as a coach. In 1938, he opened a sports equipment warehouse in Vienna. In 1940, together with Nerta Wottcher, another figure skating coach, he founded the "Karl Schäfer Ice Revue" (Karl-Schäfer-Eisrevue). In 1943, Schäfer even appeared as an actor in the film "Der weiße Traum" (The White Dream).
Post-War Career
Following World War II, Karl Schäfer was involved in the reconstruction of the Engelmann ice rink and started coaching young figure skaters there in 1946. Between 1956 and 1962, he returned to the United States to work as a figure skating coach. In 1962, he came back to Vienna, where he lived and worked until the end of his life.
Personal Life and Legacy
Karl Schäfer was married to Christine Engelmann, the youngest daughter of Eduard Engelmann Jr. From 1974 to 2008, the "Karl Schäfer Memorial" figure skating tournament was held annually in Vienna in his honor.
