A pioneering figure skater who transformed the sport through groundbreaking achievements and candid commentary has left an indelible mark on ice skating history.
According to NPR, Dick Button, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion, died Thursday at age 95 in North Salem, New York.
Button's death comes at a particularly difficult time for the figure skating community, which is already mourning the loss of 14 members, including two teenage skaters and their mothers, along with two former world champions who died in Wednesday's tragic collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C.
Button's remarkable journey began after World War II when he claimed the U.S. men's championship at just 16 years old. His groundbreaking achievements included performing the first double axel in competition and becoming the first American to win Olympic gold in men's figure skating at the 1948 St. Moritz Games.
In 1952, while pursuing his studies at Harvard, Button secured his second Olympic gold medal at the Oslo Games. During this performance, he made history again by successfully landing the first triple jump in competition. His competitive career culminated with a fifth world title before transitioning to professional skating.
The accomplished athlete's influence extended beyond competition when he became the first figure skater to receive the prestigious Sullivan Award in 1949, an honor that would not be bestowed upon another skater until Michelle Kwan in 2001.
As told by 1988 Olympic champion Brian Boitano:
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.
Button's transition to broadcasting proved equally influential. Following the devastating 1961 plane crash that claimed the entire U.S. figure skating team, he convinced ABC Sports to televise the 1962 World Championships. This decision marked the beginning of his celebrated career as a commentator.
His frank commentary style and deep knowledge of the sport earned him an Emmy Award. Button's expertise helped casual viewers understand both basic elements and complex nuances of figure skating. Three-time U.S. champion Johnny Weir shared:
Dick Button created an open and honest space in figure skating broadcasting where no topic or moment was off-limits. He told it like it was, even when his opinion wasn't a popular one. 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 entrepreneurial spirit led him to create professional skating events that provided post-competitive career opportunities for athletes. These events, including the World Professional Figure Skating Championships and Challenge of Champions, featured renowned skaters like Scott Hamilton, Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, and Katarina Witt.
His versatility extended to acting roles in productions like "The Young Doctors" and "The Bad New Bears Go to Japan." Through his production company, Candid Productions, he also contributed to television programming such as "Battle of the Network Stars."
Dick Button's passing marks the end of an era in figure skating history. The sport's revolutionary figure died at age 95 in North Salem, New York, leaving behind his longtime partner, Dennis Grimaldi, and two children, Edward and Emily.
His legacy encompasses unprecedented athletic achievements, broadcasting innovation, and tireless promotion of figure skating. From becoming the first American male Olympic champion to transforming how audiences understand and appreciate the sport, Button's influence continues to shape figure skating's evolution.
