Book review: ‘Barbara Ann Scott: Queen of the Ice’ by Ryan Stevens

 As a longtime expert on figure skating, one can only thank Ryan Stevens for turning his attentive gaze to such a monumental sporting icon as Barbara Ann Scott. Following Scott’s life in his biography Barbara Ann Scott: Queen of the Ice, Stevens depicts her illustrious skating career. However, he focuses not merely on her many successes, but also the mental and physical obstacles she faced throughout her life.  

Scott, born in 1928, quickly rose to figure skating prominence. After her first win at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships in 1944, she went on to be a groundbreaking star. Among her many accomplishments, she became the first Canadian skater at the European Championships to win gold. Additionally, she was the first Canadian figure skating gold medalist at the Winter Olympic Games in 1948. 

Despite the obvious centrality of Scott, Stevens is careful to include the impacts of others on her career. The cast of coaches, friends, and rivals throughout the book provides a lively representation of the changes throughout Scott’s life. Furthermore, these interactions represent this legendary figure in a way that is both natural and accessible. Despite the near-century that has passed since the beginning of her career, readers can easily empathize with Scott. 

Stevens also provides an insightful look into Scott’s mindset. Described as being observant, diligent, and focused, readers relate to the icon in both her celebrations and failures. Extending past a simple look at Scott’s circumstantial history or technical skills, Stevens provides a deeply enriching portrayal of her long standing impact on the sporting world.  

As the authour states in his introduction, “this is a figure skating book written for figure skating people,” and I employ the same perspective in providing a recommendation. The trials and triumphs of Scott’s life may not appeal to a general public majorly composed of fiction readers. Nonetheless, it is a compelling and informative novel which will be well-appreciated by lovers of sports biographies, Canadian history, and of course, figure skating. 

At the beginning of the first chapter, a quotation is provided from Scott herself: “In a slightly scary way, I sometimes feel as though I … didn’t exist at all. I often seem to be something people have conjured up in their minds, something they want to believe I am, something a little bit better than perfect — which no one can be.” This beautiful vulnerability is carried throughout the book. One may assume this biography replicates the emotionless setting of frigid ice rinks. On the contrary, Stevens approaches Scott’s story with a warmth and attentiveness which readers cannot help but appreciate. 

Barbara Ann Scott: Queen of the Ice will be available to read on March 18, 2025.