NEW YORK – Dick Button, the legendary figure skating champion, who transformed the sport and left an indelible mark on its history, died on January 30, 2025, at the age of 95. His son Edward confirmed the news, stating no cause of death, though Button had been suffering from declining health.
Button was not merely the most accomplished men’s figure skater, winning two Olympic gold medals and five consecutive world championships; he was also one of the sport’s foremost innovators, the mastermind behind the flying camel spin, and played various roles as athlete, broadcaster, and entrepreneur. His contributions significantly propelled figure skating from its niche status to center stage during every Winter Olympics.
“Dick was one of the most important figures in our sport,” said Scott Hamilton, the 1984 Olympic champion. “There wasn’t a skater after Dick who wasn’t helped by him in some way.” This sentiment echoes throughout the figure skating community, reflecting on how Button's legacy continues to inspire skaters today.
Button's impact began just after World War II when he made history as the first U.S. men's champion when competition resumed in 1946. He was also, at age 16, the youngest champion ever at the time. His historic first Olympic gold came two years later at the St. Moritz Games, where he performed the first double axel and became the first American to ever win the men’s event. On this achievement, he famously remarked, “By the way, I did it and it was what counted.”
His Olympic title was the beginning of Button’s dominance both nationally and internationally. He remains notable for being the first figure skater to win the prestigious Sullivan Award in 1949 and for executing the first triple jump (a loop) during competition at the Oslo Games in 1952.
After amassing unparalleled accolades, Button made the choice to forgo his amateur status and focus on performances and shows, having achieved all he dreamed of as a competitive skater. He reflected, “I had achieved everything I could have dreamed of doing as a skater.” His passion led him to participate in the Ice Capades and contribute significantly to televised skating events.
Button also made waves as a TV analyst. His candid and often brutally honest commentary provided viewers with both the basics and the nuances of figure skating, helping transform the perception of the sport. He became synonymous with ABC’s “Wide World of Sports,” influencing how the sport was broadcast and received by viewers.
Brian Boitano, another Olympic champion, praised Button’s contributions, stating, “Dick Button is the custodian of the history of figure skating.” Following the tragic 1961 plane crash, which took the lives of the entire U.S. figure skating team on their way to the world championships, Button persuaded ABC to televise the 1962 event, helping to bring figure skating to mainstream audiences.
His marked influence on figure skating isn't limited to performances and commentary, as Button also created avenues for skaters to profit after their careers, creating professional events like the World Professional Figure Skading Championships. His production company, Candid Productions, shaped television events and provided showcasing opportunities for many top skaters.
Button's legacy is also rooted deeply within the figure skating community, particularly through ties with the Skatting Club of Boston, where he skated and maintained strong connections throughout his life. Tragically, Button's death happened mere days after the community faced another tragedy: the crash of an American Airlines flight and army helicopter outside Washington D.C. This disaster claimed the lives of 14 people from the skating community, including two teenage skaters and two former world champions, shaking the tight-knit world of figure skating.
Commentators and former athletes alike celebrated Button’s open style of commentary and the honesty he brought to figure skating broadcasts. Johnny Weir, the three-time U.S. champion, expressed, “He told it like it was… Nobody could do it like Mr. Button,” highlighting how Button's authenticity created special rapport between skaters and audiences.
Button is survived by his longtime partner, Dennis Grimaldi, and his two children, Edward and Emily. His impact and influence on the sport of figure skating are immeasurable, ensuring his legacy will endure for generations to come.