Janet Lynn was the United States National Figure Skating Champion from 1969 through 1973. She won an Olympic bronze medal in 1972.
Janet Lynn is remembered for being both athletic and graceful. She is considered one of the best freeskaters of all time. She was one of the first women to land triple jumps in competition.
It is said that her weakness in compulsory figures was the reason she did not win gold at the Winter Olympic Games or at the World Figure Skating Championships. Eventually, the value of compulsory figures was decreased and more credit was given for freestyle. Many say that the sport of figure skating changed because of Janet Lynn. In the early 1990s, compulsory figures were eliminated from ice skating competitions.