Debi Thomas

Debi Thomas is an American former figure skater and orthopedic surgeon. She is the 1986 World champion, the 1988 Olympic bronze medalist, and a two-time U.S. national champion. Her athletic career was followed by a medical career, during which she specialized in orthopedic surgery.

Early life and education

Thomas was born on March 25, 1967, in Poughkeepsie, New York. She started skating at the age of five. She attended Stanford University, where she studied engineering before switching to pre-medical studies. She graduated from Stanford in 1991 with a degree in engineering and then attended Northwestern University Medical School, where she earned her MD in 1997.

Skating career

Thomas started her competitive skating career in the early 1980s. In 1986, she became the first African American to win the Women's title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. She also won the 1986 World Championships and earned a bronze medal at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, making her the first African American to win a medal in any Winter Olympic sport.

Medical career

After retiring from competitive skating, Thomas pursued a career in medicine. She completed her residency in orthopedic surgery at the Charles R. Drew University in Los Angeles. She then worked as an orthopedic surgeon in Richmond, Virginia.

Personal life

Thomas has been open about her struggles with bipolar disorder and financial difficulties. She has also been involved in various charitable activities, including serving on the board of the Special Olympics.

See also

• List of African-American firsts
• List of Stanford University people
• List of Northwestern University alumni