Burqa's parents emigrated with her from the Netherlands to Canada in 1951 . She started figure skating shortly afterwards. Her mother is former figure skater and trainer Ellen Burka , who led Toller Cranston , Karen Magnussen and their daughter to success. Burqa's talent quickly became apparent. At the national championships, she was the first woman ever to land a triple jump, the triple Salchow . After her first World Cup, in which she was fourth in 1962 , she ran out of financial support. However, Stafford Smythe , the co-owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs , recognized her talent and offered her to train in the Maple Leaf Gardens every morning before the ice hockey players had their practice.
Canada
