What Happened to Peggy Gale Fleming?
Peggy Fleming is an iconic American figure skater, best known for winning the only U.S. gold medal at the 1968 Winter Olympics. Following her competitive career, she became a prominent television commentator, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, and, for a period, a winery owner. Today, she resides in Colorado, remaining connected to the skating world and pursuing her passion for art.
Quick Answer
Peggy Fleming, the 1968 Olympic figure skating gold medalist, is currently 78 years old and resides in Denver, Colorado. After her illustrious skating career, she spent decades as a respected television commentator for ABC Sports and ESPN. A breast cancer survivor since 1998, Fleming is an active advocate for women's health and early detection. She remains connected to the figure skating community, celebrates new talent, and has embraced painting as a creative pursuit.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in San Jose, California
Peggy Gale Fleming was born in San Jose, California, the daughter of Albert Eugene and Doris Elizabeth Fleming.
Began Figure Skating
Fleming started skating at the age of nine after her father took her and her sisters to a public ice rink.
Coach Died in Plane Crash
Her coach, William Kipp, was killed in the Sabena Flight 548 crash, which also claimed the lives of the entire U.S. figure skating team en route to the World Championships.
First U.S. National Title and Olympic Debut
At 15, Fleming won her first U.S. National Championship and competed in her first Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, placing sixth.
First World Championship Title
Under coach Carlo Fassi, Fleming won her first World Championship in Davos, Switzerland, marking the beginning of her international dominance.
Olympic Gold Medalist in Grenoble
Fleming won the gold medal in ladies' singles figure skating at the Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France, the only gold medal for the U.S. at those Games. She subsequently turned professional.
Began Television Specials and Ice Show Tours
After her Olympic victory, Fleming starred in the first of five NBC television specials and began touring with major ice shows like Ice Follies.
Married Greg Jenkins
Peggy Fleming married her teenage sweetheart, Greg Jenkins, a dermatologist and former amateur figure skater. They later had two sons.
Began Career as a Sports Commentator
Fleming joined ABC Sports as a figure skating analyst and commentator, a role she held for 28 years, covering numerous national and international competitions, including the Olympics.
Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Fleming was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, which was successfully treated with surgery. She subsequently became a prominent advocate for breast cancer awareness.
Co-authored 'The Long Program' and Started Winery
She co-authored her memoir, 'The Long Program: Skating Towards Life's Victories,' which included her breast cancer journey. The same year, she and her husband planted their vineyard, leading to Fleming Jenkins Vineyards & Winery.
Fleming Jenkins Vineyards & Winery Closed
After over a decade of operation, during which it produced close to 2,000 cases of wine annually and donated profits from 'Victories Rosé' to breast cancer charities, the winery closed.
Launched Peggy Fleming Trophy
She began the Peggy Fleming Trophy artistic skating competition, designed to celebrate artistry and individual expression in figure skating.
Featured in 9NEWS Segment
A 9NEWS segment caught up with Peggy Fleming at her Colorado home, highlighting her continued connection to skating and her focus on painting and creating art.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Peggy Fleming's journey began in San Jose, California, where she started skating at age nine. Her early career was marked by tragedy when her coach, William Kipp, died in the 1961 Sabena Flight 548 crash, which also claimed the lives of the entire U.S. figure skating team. This event profoundly impacted American skating, and Fleming, under the guidance of Italian coach Carlo Fassi, emerged as a symbol of the sport's resurgence.
Fleming dominated women's figure skating in the mid-1960s, securing five consecutive U.S. championships from 1964 to 1968 and three consecutive World Championships from 1966 to 1968. Her crowning achievement came at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France, where she won the gold medal, notably the only gold for the United States at those Games. Her elegant and artistic style, combined with technical mastery, captivated audiences and helped revive American interest in figure skating.
After turning professional in 1968, Fleming embarked on a successful post-competitive career. She starred in numerous television specials, performed with major ice shows like Ice Capades and Holiday on Ice, and became a highly respected figure skating commentator for ABC Sports and ESPN for 28 years, covering several Winter Olympics.
A significant personal challenge arose in 1998 when Fleming was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Following successful surgery and treatment, she became a vocal advocate for breast cancer awareness, emphasizing the importance of early detection and regular screenings. This advocacy work has been a consistent part of her public life, and she has contributed to philanthropic causes, raising millions for non-profit organizations.
In addition to her advocacy, Fleming and her husband, Greg Jenkins, ventured into winemaking, establishing Fleming Jenkins Vineyards & Winery in California in 1999. They produced several varietals, including 'Victories Rosé,' with a portion of its profits dedicated to breast cancer research. The winery operated for over a decade before closing in 2011.
As of August 5, 2026, Peggy Fleming, now 78, continues to lead an active life. She resides in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, Greg Jenkins. She remains connected to the figure skating world, celebrating new talent and making special appearances at events. Fleming has also cultivated a passion for painting and creating art. She is a proud mother of two sons and three grandsons, and her legacy as an athlete, commentator, and health advocate endures.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Peggy Gale Fleming made different choices?