1987 World Junior Figure Skating Pins: Baby, It’s Cold Outside.

Last Updated on December 14, 2024 by Netropolitan Museum

Subzero temperatures during the event contrasted with the warmth seen in the two event pins

By 1987, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, had already established itself as a seasoned host of major figure skating competitions, having welcomed events like the 1980 Canadian Figure Skating Championships and 1982 Skate Canada. In December of 1986, the city once again played a pivotal role on the world stage, hosting the 1987 World Junior Figure Skating Championships. This prestigious event brought together the world’s top junior skaters just days after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. With the frigid Canadian winter settling in—temperatures hovering in the high 20s and low 30s—it was the perfect backdrop for showcasing the next generation of figure skating talent. And for those who attended the event, the pins produced for the 1987 World Junior Figure Skating Championships showed a warmth that perfectly contrasted with the frosty air.

Pins Gallery: 1987 World Junior Figure Skating Championships

By and large, figure skating event pins from the late 1970s to the present aren’t known for their standout design or creativity. And although the 1987 World Junior Championships pins do not break the mold in terms of concept, their high production quality sets them apart from many others of the time. Shown in the gallery are the main logo pin, available for purchase at the event, and a larger “officials” version that had limited production and distribution.

In classic Canadian style, the red maple leaf on the logo pin immediately signals that it’s from an event held in Canada—especially helpful if you’re not sure where Kitchener–Waterloo is on the world map. The logo pin features a white skate boot and blade enclosed in a circle, with the maple leaf displayed on the upper part of the boot. The background of the circle, in red and gray, creates a striking and contrasting visual. The pin is set on a silver-color base metal, with the body filled in a rich dark blue. Although the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo are often hyphenated in writing (including on most tourism materials for the area), the linking of the two names is not seen on the pin.

Also in true Canadian style, the larger version of the pin was likely produced in limited quantities and given exclusively to officials, competitors, and select others. The design mirrors the main logo pin but with a slightly wider proportion and a more substantial overall feel.

That’s this week’s figure skating pins blog: 1987 World Junior Figure Skating Pins: Baby, It’s Cold Outside.

This blog was originally published at The Netropolitan Museum of Figure Skating Pins on June 4, 2022, and has been updated with new and expanded information.

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