A new documentary, The Ice King, tells the story of John Curry, the British figure skater who won Olympic gold in 1976 and revolutionised the sport with his artistry. Directed by James Erskine, the film explores Curry's journey from a Birmingham ice rink to global fame, and his later struggle with HIV.
Curry's father denied him ballet lessons at age seven, so he took up skating instead. With his mother's support, he developed a lifelong passion for ice dancing. At 26, he won Olympic gold in Innsbruck, described as 'the Nureyev of the rink' for his graceful performances that unified music and movement.
The documentary features rare footage of Curry's routines and interviews with those who knew him, including coach Christa Fassi and skater Robin Cousins. It highlights his pioneering role as a gay athlete, especially after an American interviewer revealed his homosexuality on the night of his Olympic win, at a time of widespread prejudice.
After retiring, Curry formed ice-dance companies that performed at prestigious venues like the Metropolitan Opera House and Royal Albert Hall. He was diagnosed with HIV and died in 1994 at age 44. Erskine notes that many skaters from Curry's generation in New York were lost to AIDS, affecting his legacy.
Erskine hopes the film revives memories of Curry, who he believes should be as revered as Rudolf Nureyev. The Ice King is released in UK and Irish cinemas from 23 February.
