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Barbara Ann Scott Dies, Twitter Mourns Canadian Figure Skater

Olympic gold medalist and figure skater Barbara Ann Scott has died Monday at age 84.

She passed away at her home in Amelia Island, Florida, leaving behind her husband Tom. No cause of death has been announced.

Scott was born in Ottawa, Canada on May 9, 1928.

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Once known as "Canada's Sweetheart," Scott earned a gold medal at the 1948 Winter Olympics in Switzerland. It was the first and only time Canada earned a title in women's singles figure skating.

That same year, she became the only person to hold the North American, European, world and Olympic figure skating titles at the same time.

Canadian prime minister Mackenzie King once credited Scott with giving Canadians "courage to get through the darkness of the post-war gloom" after the country rose from economic depression and bloodshed overseas.

Moreover, Scott was invited to both the White House and Buckingham Palace and even had a doll modeled after her.

The 2-time World champion won the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's top athlete in years 1945, 1947, and 1948. In 1955 Scott was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. Then, in 1991, the ice skater became an officer of the Order of Canada, and was added to Canada's Walk of Fame in 1998, among many other awards.

Scott went on to open a beauty salon in Chicago after she married publicist Tom King, where she also became a distinguished horse trainer. She was rated among the top equestrians in North America in her forties.

Just last month, Scott returned to Ottawa to dedicate the new Barbara Ann Scott Gallery where a collection of skating memorabilia will be on display. Included was her 1948 Olympic gold medal, which she donated to her home city, according to the U.K.'s Telegraph.

On Twitter, many of Scott's fans are posting their grief over her death.

"RIP Barbara Ann Scott," posted Stephen. "What an inspiration!"

Skate Canada posted, "Saddened to learn of the death tonight of Olympic and World Champion Barbara Ann Scott King."

"Sending prayers + thoughts to friends + fam of our skating legend Barbara Ann Scott who passed away," wrote Jamie.

"SO SAD to learn of Barbara Ann Scott King's passing," added Twitter user Kaitlyn. "When an incredible ambassador & trail blazer for Canada. RIP, you will be sorely missed."

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