He was the 1948 Olympic silver medalist Gerschwiler made his international debut at the 1939 European Championships, where he placed 5th.

When his uncle was called home to Switzerland, Gerschwiler stayed with Cecilia Colledge's family.

He spent the war years working as a factory worker and fire watcher and was able to practice skating only once a week.

He also won the silver medal at the 1948 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz and came in second at the 1948 European Championships, both time finishing behind Dick Button.

The only other Swiss skater to medal at the Olympics was Georges Gautschi who won bronze in 1924.