Debi Thomas
Debi Thomas made history by becoming the first African-American woman to win a medal in the Winter Olympics. She took the bronze medal in 1988 at the games in Calgary and became world champion in 1986. Debi always wanted to continue her education even while figure skating. Even during her Olympic days she enrolled in Stanford University where she was a pre-med student. She took some breaks from her studies due to the demands of also pursuing figure skating, and retired from figure skating at just age 21. She completed her medical degree in 1991 and then pursued a surgical residency at two different U.S. universities. Eventually she opened her own private practice.
Sasha Cohen
Sasha Cohen was devastated after winning the World Championship three times when she “only” received the silver medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. She was further disenchanted after failing to make Team U.S. for the third time in 2010. Cohen questioned her continuation in the world of figure skating, and retired shortly after. Since the end of her figure skating career, Cohen has tried a variety of different pursuits including acting. She made an appearance on CSI: NY, and was featured in the movie Blazing Saddles. Like many other retired skaters, she also continued her education getting a degree from Columbia University in political science. More recently, in 2016, Cohen was recognized for her great accomplishments and was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
