Syers, Madge (1882–1917)

English ice-skater. A pioneer in her sport, she shocked the establishment by entering the world championships in 1902, coming second. Women were afterwards barred from that event, but Syers went on to win two British championships from her male competitors (1903–04). A women's world championship event was introduced in 1906, which she won in its inaugural year and in 1907. She also won a gold medal at the 1908 Olympics, and a bronze medal in the pairs, skating with her husband Edgar Syers.