Jacqueline du Bief

Jacqueline du Bief (born 4 December 1930) is a French retired figure skater who competed mainly in single skating. She is the 1952 Olympic bronze medalist,

Early life Bief was born in Paris.

Career Bief was known for being weak in compulsory figures but stronger in free skating, as well as her musicality and revealing costumes. As a pair skater, she competed with Tony Font, winning the 1950 & 1951 French national titles. The next year, she finished 6th at the 1950 World Championships. Skating magazine praised her free skate for powerful jumps, including a double Lutz jump, as well as her footwork. Three of the judges placed her first in the free skate segment.

In 1951, she won silver at both the European Championships and the World Championships. The following year, she again won silver at the 1952 European Championships.

Going in to the 1952 World Championships, Bief had the advantage of skating in her home city, and the Olympic champion, Jeannette Altwegg, did not compete, while silver medalist, Tenley Albright withdrew early due to being ill. Bief won the competition over Sonya Klopfer and Virginia Baxter.