Nancy's Story
Nancy Burley (Hallam) devoted her life to her love of Figure Skating. Growing up in Victoria, her first achievements in sport were in Diving, although the high-diving platform turned her off pursuing the sport any further. At this point she poured her focus into Figure Skating and never turned back.
In 1951, Burley was the Victorian Champion and runner-up at the Australian Championships (behind Gweneth Molony). Unsatisfied with second place, Burley sailed to London with her husband Pat in order to train with renowned coach Jacques Gershweiler. Her skating improved rapidly and she became well known for the height of her jumps with Gershweiler crediting her with the best double loop in the world.
Burley and Molony then became the nation's first Olympic Figure Skaters when they competed at the 1952 Oslo Games. Burley produced an inspired free skate which brought her final placing up to 14th out of 25 skaters. Also in 1952, Burley placed 15th at the World Championships.
She retired afterwards and turned professional, performing as the principal in the show 'Holiday on Ice' in Europe. She also performed at the Casa Carioca, a nightclub in Garmish-Partenkirchen in Germany.
After returning to Australia, Burley became a successful coaching career and also had two daughters - Sharon and Robyn, both who became accomplished figure skaters. Sharon competed at the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympics.
