Skate Canada is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Hall of Fame member and distinguished coach, Sonya Dunfield. 

Inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame in 2001, Dunfield’s contributions to figure skating spanned more than seven decades. She began her career as a competitive skater, making history in 1951, at just 15 years old, when she became one of the youngest women to win a U.S. national title. She went on to represent the United States at both the World Championships and Olympic Games before later transitioning to coaching in Canada.  

Together with her husband and coaching partner, Peter Dunfield, Sonya guided numerous Canadian athletes to success on the world and Olympic stages, including Elizabeth Manley, who captured three Canadian national titles and earned silver medals at both the 1988 Olympic Winter Games and the World Championships. 

Sonya will be remembered for her unique coaching style and passion for the sport, which left a lasting impact on Canadian figure skating through the athletes she guided and the coaches she inspired. Her legacy will continue to be celebrated, and she will be deeply missed by the skating community and all those who worked with her.