In 1965, Atoy Wilson shattered barriers by becoming the first African American figure skater to compete at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The following year, he etched his name in the history books by winning the U.S. novice men’s title. On Jan. 25, his position in U.S. skating history was formally recognized when Wilson was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame (HOF), the first African American man to receive this honor (three women were previously inducted).
“It was a really touching experience,” said Wilson, the inaugural recipient of the Trailblazers Award. “I made sure that the people [at the reception] hearing my acceptance speech knew about my mother. We had to have the help, and Thelma was definitely a part of that.”
For those HOF members who championed his induction, notably U.S. and World Champion Tai Babilonia and U.S., World and Olympic Champion Scott Hamilton, the moment was emotional. People attending the HOF reception were moved by Wilson’s story and how he has tried to inspire and mentor the skaters who have come after him.
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“There were really some hard knocks that Mabel (Wilson’s first coach Mabel Fairbanks) and I had to go through in those earlier stages,” said Wilson. “What has now happened is this bridge with Diversify Ice, Figure Skating in Harlem, [and] Unity Ice. There are organizations that are really trying to keep this sport moving forward.”
There was considerable representation of skaters of color at these U.S. Championships, which Wilson greatly appreciated. He saw a connection from himself to the skaters of today. The love and support were abundant. Wilson’s brother Reynaldo, niece Chelsea, son Atoy Jr. and some friends traveled to Wichita, Kansas for the celebration.
“It was a diverse field of skaters,” said Wilson, who acknowledged people at U.S. Figure Skating who are actively promoting diversity in the sport. This includes the director of diversity, equity and inclusion Kadari Taylor-Watson. “Kadari invited me and Joel [Savary, founder of Diversify Ice] to speak with the Kansas African American Business Council in Wichita. We had a panel discussion, I was the keynote speaker, and it was fierce. It was great, and many of those people were then in the audience for the skating.”