History of Peggy Fleming in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 14, 2026

Peggy Fleming is a celebrated retired American figure skater, best known as the 1968 Winter Olympics ladies' singles champion. She was the only American to win a gold medal at those Games. Fleming also achieved three World Championship titles (1966-1968). Following her competitive career, she transitioned into television commentary, covering figure skating for over two decades, including multiple Winter Olympic Games.

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Full Timeline

July 27, 1948: Peggy Fleming Born

On July 27, 1948, Peggy Gale Fleming was born. She later became a figure skater, 1968 Winter Olympic Champion and three-time World Champion.

Others born on this day/year

1961: Coach William Kipp Killed in Sabena Flight 548 Crash

In 1961, Peggy Fleming's coach, William Kipp, died in the Sabena Flight 548 crash. The entire United States figure skating team died in the crash while en route to the 1961 World Figure Skating Championships.

1961: 1961 Sabena plane crash

The 1961 Sabena plane crash was a tragedy that impacted American figure skating.

1966: World Champion (1966-1968)

In 1966, Peggy Fleming started her streak as World Champion which lasted up to 1968.

1968: Gold Medal at the 1968 Winter Olympics

In 1968, Peggy Fleming received the only gold medal that the U.S. Olympic team won in the Winter Olympics. This signaled a return to American dominance in women's figure skating.

1968: 1968 Winter Olympics Champion

In 1968, Peggy Fleming won the Winter Olympics in ladies' singles. She was the only American gold medalist at these Games.

1968: 1968 Olympics Gold Medal

In 1968, Peggy Fleming won the gold medal at the Olympics in Grenoble, France. This contributed to her unprecedented success.

June 13, 1970: Marriage to Greg Jenkins

On June 13, 1970, Peggy Fleming married her teenage sweetheart Greg Jenkins.

1977: Birth of Son Andy

In 1977, Peggy Fleming and Greg Jenkins' son, Andy, was born.

1981: Skating Commentator for ABC Sports

Since 1981, Peggy Fleming has been a skating commentator for ABC Sports.

1988: Birth of Son Todd

In 1988, Peggy Fleming and Greg Jenkins' son, Todd, was born.

1988: Peggy Fleming Porcelain Doll Created

In 1988, the Franklin Mint Heirloom Porcelain Dolls made a Peggy Fleming all-porcelain doll.

1993: Third Most Popular Athlete in America

In 1993, the Associated Press released a national sports study that ranked Peggy Fleming as the third most popular athlete in America.

1998: Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

In 1998, Peggy Fleming was diagnosed with breast cancer. The cancer was detected in its early stages and surgery was successful.

2007: Appearance in Blades of Glory

In 2007, Peggy Fleming appeared in the movie Blades of Glory as a judge.

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2010: Art of the Olympians Documentary

In 2010, Art of the Olympians produced a 30-minute documentary about Peggy Fleming.

2010: Traffic Incident at the 2010 Winter Olympics

In 2010, Peggy Fleming was injured and briefly hospitalized after a traffic incident while riding in U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's motorcade at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.