A mentor, leader, and visionary, Dr. Hellmut May immigrated to Canada in 1954 from Vienna, Austria and brought his passion for figure skating to his adopted country. Although he represented Austria at two Olympic Winter Games, in 1936 and 1948, he will be remembered for his tireless devotion to coaching young skaters in Canada.

His passion, dedication and exceptional leadership developed and improved figure skating in Canada. More than a vocation for Hellmut, throughout his coaching career he taught skaters skills that would last them a lifetime: perseverance; patience; commitment; self-discipline; and sportsmanship. As the head coach at Kerrisdale Figure Skating Club in British Columbia for over 55 years, he saw many skaters go on to national, world and Olympic success. His dedication and love for skating was seen in his nurturing of the beginning skater through to the successful elite athlete.

As a professional coach, he was dedicated to the education of coaches. He provided leadership and support to coaching committees and at competitions and seminars across the country. He wrote curriculum for the National Coaching Association, taught at national seminars and developed ethical standards for coaches. He co-founded the Coaching Association of British Columbia, and then formed the Professional Skaters Association of Canada. His work in this field promoted excellence, brought consistency of coaching across the country and developed a whole new generation of skating coaches.

An expert equipment technician, Hellmut spent many hours fitting skates and adjusting blades for anyone who needed assistance. He would offer advice and assist all skaters at a competition, actively demonstrating his belief in the spirit of sportsmanship and that all skaters must start on an equal playing field.

Inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame 2010.