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Kurt Browning, sometimes called "Gene Kelly on Ice," set a new standard in the world of figure skating. The Canadian earned worldwide popularity due to his remarkable talent, showmanship, and sense of humor.
Born on June 18, 1966, in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Browning grew up playing hockey in Caroline, Alberta. He showed a natural talent for figure skating and at the age of sixteen moved to Edmonton to train. On March 25, 1988, he added his name to the
Browning retired from amateur competition in 1994 and continued improving his skills at the professional level. He captured the titles of world professional champion three times, Canadian professional champion four times, and U.S. professional champion twice. He was inducted into the Canadian Figure Skating Hall of Fame on January 30, 2000.
The town of Caroline is proud of its hometown hero, and Browning still maintains his connections to the Plains. He serves as the honorary spokesperson for KidSport Society of Alberta, dedicated to "overcoming the obstacles that prevent some young people from playing sport." He was also proud to be named honorary captain for the Edmonton Oilers hockey team. In 1996 Kurt married Sonia Rodriguez, a principal dancer with the National Ballet of Canada, and they now live in Toronto, Ontario, when he is not on the road entertaining.