Dick Button, the US figure skating legend and two-time Olympic gold medalist who was one of the most innovative television commentators in sports, died Thursday, Jan. 30 at 95.
US Figure Skating, the governing body behind this sport, confirmed his death. The Associated Press first reported about his death, citing Button's son, Edward. No cause of death was given.
Dick Button Made Competitive Figure Skating More Popular
According to NBC News, Button made history in the sport by becoming the first American male figure skater to win Olympic gold at only 18 years old in 1948 in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Button managed to astonish audiences when he successfully executed the first-ever double axel during a competition.
For the second Winter Olympics, in Oslo, Norway, in 1952, Button was an unbeatable skater as well, taking the gold medal on the ice there while setting the first record for the triple loop jump. His creativity also introduced the "Button camel," which is now known as the flying camel spin.
Button's influence remained unmatched for more than six decades. He was the last American man to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in figure skating until Japan's Yuzuru Hanyu achieved the feat in 2014 and 2018.
Academic and Professional Achievements
Being one true scholar-athlete, he graduated from Harvard University in 1952 before eventually earning his law degree at Harvard Law School in 1955. Of course, the law had to give in to Button's passion and infatuation for skating—also, of necessity, and Ice Capades, as well as Holiday on Ice, saw him around their stages prior to broadcasting.
The Voice of Figure Skating
Button's influence on the sport went far beyond the ice rink. He became a household name as a television commentator, debuting in 1960 with CBS at the Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, California. His sharp wit, deep knowledge, and candid critiques made him a fan favorite.
His commentary style set a new standard in sports broadcasting, shaping the way audiences engaged with figure skating.
Throughout his career, Button has furnished analysis for NBC, where his most recent appearances were as coverage of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in 2010, TMZ Sports writes.
The contributions made towards the sport received recognition through inducting Button into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2015.
Fellow commentators and skaters were in mourning over his death. Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton posted a tribute on social media, posting a picture with Button and a broken heart emoji.
Johnny Weir, one of the most well-known figures in modern skating commentary, praised Button's fearless approach: "He told it like it was, even when his opinion wasn't popular."
Button's Legacy Sparks Inspiration Among Aspiring Skaters
Button's passing comes at a difficult time for the skating community, already grappling with the tragic loss of multiple young athletes in a midair collision over the Potomac River earlier this week. Despite these losses, Button's legacy remains a source of inspiration for skaters and fans worldwide.
Survived by his longtime partner and spouse, Dennis Grimaldi, as well as his children, Edward and Emily Button, Dick Button leaves behind an indelible mark on figure skating. His contributions as an athlete, innovator, and broadcaster ensure that his influence will be felt for generations to come.
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