WORLD CHAMPION SKATER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22412, 7 May 1936, Page 20

WORLD CHAMPION SKATER

YOUNG NORWEGIAN WOMAN PROFESSIONALISM EMBRACED [from our own correspondent] NEW YORK, April 5 The world champion figure skater since 1927 Mis* Sonia Henie, has commenced her professional tour of the United States. She said she expects to get £30,000 in her first season. In addition to guarantees, totalling half that sum, she has been given a percentage of the receipts at each appearance. " Why did I turn professional?" she said in reply to a question. " I want to go into motion pictures, and I want to skate in them. The minute I skate in a film I become a professional. So, why not go on this tour?" It is understood that a leading studio has an option 011 Miss Henie's services, and that, on completion of her tour, she will take a screen test. The studio is at present seeking a "suitable vehicle" for her. Referring to skating, she said she had never been beaten. She expected there would he an "open" world championship next year, in which she would enter. She also intended to tour Canada and Europe. Miss Henie started skating at the age of six, and when she was 11 became the idol of her native Oslo by winning the Norwegian championship. In that year, 1924, she entered for the Olympic Games title, and was placed eighth. She won the championship at the Olympic Games of 1928, 1932 and 1936, the world title each year since 1927 and the European title since 1929. She is also one of Norway's leading tennis players and an expert swimmer.