Jeni Watson Wedding, Kids & Girlfriends. Dr. Thomas married sports attorney Chris Bequette in 1996, and in 1997, just weeks after receiving her medical degree, she and her husband welcomed their first child, Christopher Jules Bequette II. However, she becomes the first African-American woman to win a medal in Olympics. Thomas Olympic bronze medal remains with her in Richland. There's a conventional narrative of how Thomas went from where she was to where she is that of a talented figure undone by internal struggles and left penniless. Debi Thomas, figure skating sensation out of San Jose who came up short of Olympic gold medal, is now a doctor. In 1997, Debi joined the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, later attended the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences Hospital. Currently 54 years old, which means her career we engage ourselves in her,, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder the practice field working on his craft in. [20] Thomas was diagnosed with bipolar disorder by April 2012. Debi Thomas is a figure skater and physician, . Former Cal mens hoops coach Campanelli dies at 84. She married and divorced Brian Vanden Hogen, but then married a second time to Chris Bequette. About Debi Thomas is a 55 year old American Skater. Home; About. However, when she was 12 years old, she won the silver medal at the national novice finals. Higher and higher she went. After getting engaged with Lonney, she became the stepmother of two children who are from her fiance's past relationship. Thomas started skating at age 5 in San Jose. What Shows Have Been Renewed or Canceled? In the long program, she made mistakes on a number of jumps and placed fourth in that segment of the competition. Her grandfather Daniel Skelton received a doctorate in veterinary medicine at Cornell University in 1939, the only African-American in his class. Likewise, Debi went from riches to rags. As a result, Debi is awarded Candace Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women for Trailblazing. The first black skater to win a U.S. She wasn't just the nation's best figure skater. She has a net worth of $100,000-$1M. In 1987, Thomas suffered with Achilles tendinitis in both ankles and struggled at the U.S. Nationals, placing second to Jill Trenary. They had 1 child. At the time, her skating coach did not encourage her academic studies. Self-doubt and vulnerability are banished. WHERE ARE THEY NOW? / Debi Thomas / Calling Dr. Thomas - SFGATE In November 2015, it was reported that she was living in a bed bug-infested trailer in the Appalachian mountains with her fiance who was struggling with anger and alcohol issues. The guys at Illinois are going to love San Francisco.. Cal is stoked he did. Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password. Of 1996 head for business among the Cal faithful celebrating the key. We engage ourselves in her career started early Thomas did not have a son, Christopher Jules Luc! Tate | Does name on front of jersey still matter? Theyre not a purpose. Alas, there is not much information available about Debis parents. Thomas, a former orthopedic surgeon who doesn't have health insurance, declared bankruptcy in 2014 and hasn't brought in a steady paycheck in years. In 1988, Thomas married Brian Vanden Hogen, a fellow college student. Thomas married sports attorney Chris Bequette in the fall of 1996. She was crowned World Figure Skating champion in 1986, and twice won the U.S. National Figure Skating Champion title. Therefore, a skater needs to be physically strong while owning a slimmer body. From Our CEO; Meet the Team; Partners and Supporters; Our Mission and Programs. Similar to how she continuously wins competitions, Debi is named the Wide World of Sports Athlete of the Year by ABC. However, Debi, for now, is happy with her fiance.