Renowned Olympic Skating Legend Dick Button Remembered
The world of figure skating mourns the loss of a true legend, Dick Button, who passed away at the age of 95. Button was not just a two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion, but also a pioneering force in the sport, transforming figure skating into a global phenomenon.
Button’s son, Edward, confirmed his father’s passing, although the cause was not disclosed. As both an entrepreneur and broadcaster, Button played a pivotal role in elevating the status of figure skating, turning it into a marquee event at every Winter Olympics.
Scott Hamilton, a fellow Olympic champion, reflected on Button’s influence, stating, “Dick was one of the most important figures in our sport. There wasn’t a skater after Dick who wasn’t helped by him in some way.”
Trailblazing Career and Innovations
Button’s impact on figure skating began in the aftermath of World War II. He made history as the first U.S. men’s champion and the youngest at the age of 16 in 1946. Two years later, he clinched the title at the St. Moritz Olympics, showcasing his skills outdoors and debuting the first double axel in competition, solidifying his place as the first American to win the men’s event.
Reflecting on his achievements, Button humbly admitted, “By the way, that jump had a cheat on it. But listen, I did it and that was what counted.” This marked the start of Button’s reign over international skating and U.S. amateur sports, culminating in him becoming the first figure skater to receive the prestigious Sullivan Award in 1949.
In 1952, while pursuing his studies at Harvard, Button secured a second gold medal at the Oslo Games, where he made history once again with the first triple jump in competition—a loop. His unparalleled success continued with a fifth world title before he transitioned from amateur to professional status, as was the norm in Olympic sports at the time.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Beyond his competitive career, Button’s legacy extended to the realm of broadcasting, where he became a household name as a TV analyst, offering viewers unparalleled insights into figure skating. His Emmy Award-winning commentary on ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” made him as iconic as Jim McKay, with his ability to break down performances and educate audiences on the intricacies of the sport.
Reflecting on Button’s contribution, 1988 Olympic champion Brian Boitano remarked, “Dick Button is the custodian of the history of figure skating and its quintessential voice. He made the words ‘lutz’ and ‘salchow’ part of our everyday vocabulary.”
Tragically, Button’s passing coincided with another heartbreaking event in the skating community—the fatal crash of an American Airlines flight. The disaster claimed the lives of two teenage figure skaters, their mothers, and two former world champions who were coaching at the Skating Club of Boston, where Button had a longstanding connection.
Button’s influence extended beyond the competitive arena, as he created opportunities for skaters to thrive post-retirement. His professional events and TV productions, such as “Battle of the Network Stars,” showcased top talent in the sport and provided a platform for skaters to showcase their skills beyond the confines of traditional competition.
In the words of Johnny Weir, a former U.S. champion and current NBC Sports figure skating analyst, “Dick Button created an open and honest space in figure skating broadcasting where no topic or moment was off-limits. His zingers were always in my mind when I would perform for him, and I wanted to make him as happy and proud as I would my coaches.”
Button’s enduring impact on figure skating transcends his accolades and titles, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of skaters to come.
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