Sissy Schwarz

Elisabeth “Sissy” Schwarz competed in singles and pair skating, but was best known for her results in pairs. In singles she was second in the 1952 Austrian Championship and ninth at the 1953 European Championships. In pair skating she and Kurt Oppelt were Austrian Champions from 1952-56.

In 1952 they had their international début as a couple, placing seventh at both the Europeans and Worlds. They won bronze at the 1953 European Championships and the 1954 World Championships, adding a silver that year at the Europeans. In 1955 they did not participate at Europeans but at Worlds they were close runners-up to the Canadians Frances Dafoe and Norris Bowden.

Their best year was 1956, as they won the European, World and Olympic titles. They subsequently turned professional and skated in ice shows. In 1976 Schwarz accompanied the Olympic Flame on its way from Athens to Austria. She later settled with her family in Wiener Neustadt, where she helped found a figure skating club.