Debra "Debi" Thomas is a celebrated American figure skater and former orthopedic surgeon. She rose to international fame by winning the 1986 World Championships and is a two-time U.S. National Champion. Thomas is best known for her iconic rivalry with East Germany's Katarina Witt, culminating in the "Battle of the Carmens" at the 1988 Winter Olympics where she won the bronze medal. After her skating career, she earned a medical degree and worked as a surgeon before facing significant personal and professional challenges later in life.