Margaret Crosland Berezowski
Margaret Crosland Berezowski was one of Canada’s most accomplished figure skating competitors and later became an internationally respected official whose work significantly influenced the development of athletes, coaches, and judges in Canada and abroad.
As a competitive skater, Berezowski achieved national prominence when she won the Canadian Junior Women’s Figure Skating Championship in 1956. She went on to represent Canada at the North American Figure Skating Championships and competed three times at the World Figure Skating Championships.
Her competitive career reached its peak with back-to-back victories at the Canadian Senior Women’s Figure Skating Championships in 1958 and 1959. After competing at the 1959 Canadian Olympic Trials, she retired from competition while maintaining her amateur status in order to continue contributing to the sport.
Transitioning into officiating, Berezowski became a World and Olympic figure skating judge and International Referee, quickly earning international respect for her knowledge and leadership.
After Induction
Following her induction, Margaret Crosland Berezowski continued to make outstanding contributions to figure skating development for more than three decades.
She officiated internationally as a judge and referee for over 30 years, including serving as a judge at the 1984 Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo. She also officiated at the Special Olympics in Reno, Nevada, reflecting her commitment to inclusivity within sport.
In 1977, she chaired Alberta’s first Skaters Development Committee, helping establish structured pathways for young athletes. She also served on Skate Canada’s National Development Committee and became a trusted advisor and mentor to emerging athletes, including future world champion Kurt Browning and international competitor Brian Pockar.
Berezowski conducted numerous seminars across Canada to train judges, coaches, and athletes, strengthening the technical standards of figure skating nationwide.
After retiring from competition, she completed her studies at the University of British Columbia and continued her lifelong involvement in sport leadership and education.
Her contributions were recognized by both Alberta and Canadian figure skating organizations, as well as the Calgary Booster Club, which honoured her as an Athletic Leader. She was also recognized as a “Legend of Skating” during ceremonies at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre.
Margaret later remarried and became known as Margaret Birdsell.
Margaret Crosland Berezowski (Birdsell) passed away on January 14, 2024, at the age of 84.
Awards and Honours
- 1956 — Canadian Junior Women’s Figure Skating Champion
- 1958 & 1959 — Canadian Senior Women’s Figure Skating Champion
- Competitor — North American Figure Skating Championships
- Three-Time Competitor — World Figure Skating Championships
- Judge — 1984 Winter Olympic Games, Sarajevo
- International Figure Skating Judge and Referee (30+ Years)
- Calgary Booster Club Athletic Leadership Honour
- Recognized as a “Legend of Skating” — Air Canada Centre Ceremony
- 1983 — Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
