Dick Button, the legendary figure skater and voice of skating for nearly half a century, passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 95. His death, confirmed by his son Edward, marks the end of an era for the sport he not only defined through his athletic prowess but also revolutionized with his commentary and innovation.
Button's impact on figure skating is unparalleled. Born Richard Totten Button on July 18, 1929, he emerged on the international stage as the first U.S. men's champion at the age of 16, following the end of World War II. He went on to become the first American to secure Olympic gold, achieving this milestone at the 1948 St. Moritz Games, where he executed the first double axel seen at the Olympics. Button continued to break barriers, landing the first triple jump (a loop) at the Oslo Games in 1952, trailing only his second Olympic gold medal.
His competitive career was marked by record-setting achievements, including seven consecutive U.S. championship titles and five consecutive world titles. Notably, Button’s enduring legacy extends far beyond his athletic accomplishments.
“Dick was one of the most important figures in our sport,” said Scott Hamilton, the Olympic champion of 1984. “There wasn’t a skater after Dick who wasn’t helped by him in some way.” Such sentiments echo widely throughout the figure skating community, which now mourns his passing alongside the more than a dozen young skaters and coaches lost in the recent midair collision over the Potomac River.
Button’s commentary career began at CBS during the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Olympics, later solidifying his role as the sport’s principal commentator through his work with ABC and NBC. He gained recognition for his no-nonsense, often acerbic insights which not only entertained but educated audiences on the intricacies of figure skating. His forthright critiques generated memorable moments, such as his description of dull performances, eleviving the role of commentators by creating what many have termed the "custodian of the history of figure skating."
Even after his formal retirement from competitive skating, Button continued to influence the sport through productions like the World Professional Figure Sketing Championships and other televised events which allowed skaters to profit from their talent long after their competitive days. He was the first figure skater to earn the esteemed James E. Sullivan Award for outstanding amateur athlete, reinforcing his significance on and off the ice.
Button’s innovative spirit also led him to develop thrilling new maneuvers like the flying camel spin, affectionately known as the Button camel, which has since become standard. His years of commitment earned him numerous accolades, including induction to several halls of fame, and he was recognized as the oldest living U.S. Olympic champion at the time of his death.
A dedicated student, Button balanced his intensive figure skating career with academic achievements, earning both his undergraduate and law degree from Harvard University. Despite his illustrious recognition and success, Button remained humble about his legacy. He once modestly asserted, “It didn’t seem like an enormous accomplishment,” giving kinship to his reign and encouraging the athletes who followed.
Button is survived by his longtime partner, Dennis Grimaldi, and his children, Emily and Edward—each who now carry forth his impactful legacy. "His influential commentary and extravagant performances will be missed, but his spirit will forever remain with the sport he loved," noted U.S. Figure Skates President Samuel Auxier.
Reflecting not only on his accolades but also on his larger-than-life persona, he became known as “The Voice of Figure Skatings” to millions. Button's passing has left the skaters and fans with heavy hearts as they bid farewell to someone who has truly personified the sport itself.
Many within the community have shared collective memories recalling how Button shaped their lives and careers with his innovative flair on the ice and memorable quips off it. His critiques, though pointed at times, testified to his genuine passion for the sport. Johnny Weir, champion and current commentator for NBC Sports, recalled, “Dick created open and honest space in figure skating broadcasting where no topic or moment was off limits.”
Button's legacy is reflective of his dedication not only to advancing athletic excellence but also to shaping figure skating as we know it today, with vibrancy and honesty. His spirit continues to inspire future generations of skaters, ensuring his memory is woven deeply within the fabric of figure skating history.