Peggy Fleming skated across the ice in Grenoble, France in 1968 and won not only Olympic gold but also hearts of fans around the world.

Her lithe elegance will be evident from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at the fifth annual Magical Memories at the Resorts of Squaw Creek where she will skate with children.

Featured at the free event with young enthusiasts of the ice sport represents the full circle adventure Fleming has had.

Her own love affair with skating began as a youngster when she discovered the beauty of combining her natural athletic prowess and dancing abilities with the artistry of gliding on ice.
At first, thunderous applause or appreciative cheers did not accompany the intensity of her dedication to early morning rehearsals. Instead it was the sleepy complaints of sisters begging for quietness in the predawn hours as she readied herself.

But her parents were big supporters of the pursuits of their children’s interests and dreams, and their sacrifice and dedication made a lasting impression on Fleming.

She encourages parents to expose their children to a full range of sporting experiences and see which ones naturally stick. Sharing accomplishments cannot be accomplished just by dropping children at the door of a practice hall or skating rink, she advises. Instead the San Jose native suggests parents take the time to come inside, sit and watch.

“Every child has different dreams and they are not clones of the parents,” said the mother of two and grandmother of three.

Fleming, who also serves as a sports commentator with ABC, also has words of advice for budding Olympians.

There is no fast way to the gold.

Everyday practice builds both character and consistency. It is the latter she feels which hooks the serious athlete who understands the thrill at tracking individual progress. Miss a day of practice, she says and one loses ground and is subject to playing catch up.

The rewards for such dedication can be great.

Following her Olympic win atop her talented leather-bound, tapered-bladed feet glided her across ice arenas as the star of ice shows, television specials and to performances with partners as varied as John Curry and Snoopy.

Harsh reality hit when breast cancer was discovered in 1998. Now free from the disease, Fleming’s thoughts on both surviving and thriving reflect her grounded personality.

“Life is going to throw something at you,” she said. “You don’t know what, but there will always be an obstacle.”

She advised to gather strength from other people and know that time heals. Also to have a good support team, which in her case is headed by her husband of almost 30 years, Greg Jenkins.

A former dermatologist, he and his wife now run Fleming Jenkins Vineyards and Winery in Los Gatos, Calif.

The boutique winery offerings range from two Syrahs — one made from spice and fruity grapes of football legend John Madden’s ranch and the other from the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains to Chardonnay and others.

Their Victories Rose is a winner not only for the praise it garners, but also for the portion of its proceeds that goes to breast cancer research.

There are moments when even Fleming, an epitome of polish and poise confesses to being a klutz. Known to break bones when doing a task as simple as putting on a shoe, she blames her lack of attention for her off-ice mishaps.

It matters little to her legions of fans though.

To them graceful is the one-word description of Peggy Fleming and her life.