Legendary Figure Skater Dick Button Dies at 95
The International Skating Union (ISU) and the global figure skating community mourn the passing of Richard “Dick” Button, the two-time Olympic champion, who died on January 30 at the age of 95. Mr. Button’s groundbreaking achievements as both an athlete and a television analyst left a lasting mark on figure skating worldwide.
Born on July 18, 1929, in Englewood, New Jersey, Button began skating as a child and committed to serious training at 12 under coach Gus Lussi in Lake Placid. His talent quickly emerged, and at just 16, he won his first of seven consecutive U.S. national titles. He earned his first World Championship medal, a silver, in 1947, and went on to claim five World titles and Olympic gold medals in 1948 and 1952. At 18, Button became the youngest male Olympic figure skating champion—a record that still stands today—and the only non-European man to win the ISU European Championships at the time.
A true innovator, Button made history performing the first double Axel at the 1948 Olympics and the first triple jump—a loop—at the 1952 Games. He also invented the flying camel spin, famously known as the “Button Camel.” In 1949, he became the first figure skater to win the prestigious Sullivan Award for the nation’s top amateur athlete.
After completing a law degree at Harvard, Button turned professional, performing with the Ice Capades. From 1962, he brought his deep knowledge to millions of viewers as an ABC television analyst, earning an Emmy Award for his commentary. He also created competitive opportunities for professional skaters through events such as the World Professional Figure Skating Championships and the Challenge of Champions.
“Dick was one of the most important figures in our sport,” said 1984 Olympic champion Scott Hamilton. “There wasn’t a skater after Dick who wasn’t helped by him in some way.”
Dick Button is survived by his two children, Edward and Emily. The ISU honors his immense contributions to figure skating and remembers him with gratitude and affection.