U.S. figure skating great Dick Button, whose technical prowess revolutionized the sport, has died at the age of 95. His death was announced by U.S. Figure Skaking on January 30, 2025, following the tragic plane crash in Washington D.C. involving members of the figure skating community, which took the lives of 14 individuals, including two former world champions.
Button, who was born on July 18, 1929, in Englewood, New Jersey, made history as he won back-to-back Olympic gold medals at the 1948 Winter Games held in St. Moritz, Switzerland, and again at the 1952 Games in Oslo, Norway. His accolades not only included two Olympic titles but also five consecutive world championships, three North American titles, and seven national titles. With victories across these prestigious platforms, he remains remembered as the first man to land the double axel and the first to execute the triple jump during Olympic competition.
Known for his innovative skating style, Button is credited for the creation of the 'Button camel,' now recognized as the flying camel spin. His influence went beyond mere scores and victories; he transformed figure skating through sheer athleticism, becoming the youngest man to win Olympic gold at age 18. This visionary skater left behind achievements still revered today, as his technical innovations helped advance the evolution of the sport.
After retiring from competition, Button attended Harvard Law School and later toured with Ice Capades and Holiday on Ice. His role as the ‘voice of skating’ began with CBS during the 1960 Winter Olympics, where his insightful commentary helped educate American viewers about the intricacies of figure skating. He became synonymous with the sport, known for his enthusiasm and honesty during competitions, providing commentary across multiple networks including CBS and ABC.
Throughout his broadcasting career, Button garnered multiple accolades, including the Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality. He continued commentaries until 2010 during the Vancouver Games, leaving behind a legacy of passionate and knowledgeable insight.
On January 31, U.S. Figure Skaking expressed their deep condolences, mourning the loss of Button, whose groundbreaking style and award-winning television commentary reshaped the figure skating narrative. “The two-time Olympic champion’s legacy will live on forever,” the organization stated.
Following Button's passing, tributes poured out, with many recognizing not just his achievements on the ice but also his mentorship and friendships formed throughout his storied life. Brian Boitano, 1988 Olympic gold medallist, reminisced on social media, sharing his heartbreak over Button's loss. "He was an innovator, the master of triple jumps and... became a friend," Boitano declared, highlighting the emotional impact Button had on his career and the sport itself.
Button's unique take on figure skating attracted the attention of many aspiring skaters. He became not just a mentor but also someone who instilled confidence and community spirit. His peers described him as incomparable, with Tara Lipinski stating, "No other figure skater embodies the sport as much as Dick Button. He is, and always will be, the godfather of this sport.”
Alongside his impressive personal accolades, Button witnessed the evolution of the sport firsthand. He was pivotal in helping establish professional skating competitions, contributing greatly to the discipline. It's noteworthy to mention his life intertwined with nature; as he spent much of his time tending to beautiful gardens at his home, signaling his passion for both sport and serenity.
He continued to engage with the skating community even after retirement, nurturing and shaping young talents. His personal life included two children, Edward and Emily, along with his partner, Dennis Grimaldi, all of whom he cherished deeply.
While dodging the limelight for much of his later years, Button remained present, both as a beloved figure and as someone whose name continues to echo through the pages of figure skating history.
His passing marks the end of an era, signaling not only the loss of a sports legend but also the heartfelt connection he maintained with his community. On this tragic day, figure skating finds itself reflecting on the remarkable life of Dick Button, whose influence extended beyond the ice and will forever be etched within the sport's rich history.