Petra Burka has figure skating in her blood. The daughter of renowned coach Ellen Burka, Petra learned the art and athletics of the sport at a young age.

By the time she was 15, Burka was the Junior Ladies Champion of Canada. In 1962, she placed 4th in the World Championships in Prague, and in 1964 she claimed the Canadian Senior Ladies title. Additionally, she was the first woman to perform a triple Salchow in competition.

Burka reigned supreme as Canadian Ladies Champion from 1964-66. In 1964, she added an Olympic bronze medal to her collection, and in 1965 she claimed the triple crown of Canadian, North American, and World Champion. For her outstanding achievements, Burka was twice awarded the Bobbie Rosenfeld Trophy as Canada's top female athlete, in 1964 and 1965, and she was the recipient of the Lou Marsh Trophy as the nation's finest athlete in 1965.

Burka turned professional following her 1966 third place finish at the World Championships. She skated in ice shows for a number of years before turning her talents toward coaching and commentating.