Christopher Dean

Christopher Colin Dean, OBE (born 27 July 1958 in Calverton, Nottinghamshire) is an English ice dancer who won a gold medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics with his skating partner Jayne Torvill. They also won a bronze medal at the 1994 Winter Olympics.

Early life

Dean grew up in Calverton, Nottinghamshire. When he was six, his mother left and another woman took her place. Dean never talked about this with his father or stepmother, both of whom have died. He has regained contact with his mother.

From 1974 to 1980, he was a police constable with Nottinghamshire Police.

Skating career

Christopher Dean began to skate at the age of 10 after he received a pair of skates as a Christmas present. His parents were keen ballroom dancers. At school he was captain of the football team and he saw ice skating as a sport that was athletic and graceful. Dean's first ice partner was Sandra Elson. They began skating together when he was 14 and competed as ice dancers for a few years under their instructor Len Sayward. However, despite becoming British Junior Dance champions, the team parted, as Dean and Elson did not get along well. Dean then agreed to try out Jayne Torvill, another skater at the Nottingham rink. The pair were first coached by Janet Sawbridge but in 1978 Betty Callaway became their coach.