Remembering Dick Button: A Trailblazer in Figure Skating and Broadcasting

Remembering Dick Button: A Trailblazer in Figure Skating

In the world of figure skating, few names resonate as profoundly as Dick Button. Known not only for his remarkable achievements on the ice but also for his transformative influence on the sport, Button’s legacy is one that will be cherished for generations. On Thursday, the skating community mourned the loss of this iconic figure, as his son, Edward, confirmed his passing at the age of 95. While the cause of death was not disclosed, the impact of Button’s life and career remains crystal clear.

Button’s journey in figure skating began in the post-World War II era, where he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. At just 16 years old, he became the first U.S. men’s champion when the competition resumed in 1946. This was only the beginning of a career that would see him win two Olympic gold medals and five consecutive world championships. His first Olympic triumph came in 1948 at the St. Moritz Games, where he made history by performing the first double axel in any competition, becoming the first American to win the men’s event.

Reflecting on that groundbreaking moment, Button once remarked, “By the way, that jump had a cheat on it. But listen, I did it and that was what counted.” This candid admission is a testament to Button’s character—honest, yet always striving for excellence.

Button’s influence extended beyond his competitive years. In 1952, while still a student at Harvard, he clinched his second Olympic gold at the Oslo Games, introducing the first triple jump (a loop) in competition. Shortly thereafter, he retired from amateur competition, having achieved all he had set out to do. “I had achieved everything I could have dreamed of doing as a skater,” Button reflected. He went on to earn a law degree from Harvard in 1956, but his passion for skating never waned.

As a broadcaster, Button brought figure skating into the living rooms of millions. His Emmy Award-winning commentary on ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” made the intricacies of the sport accessible to a broader audience. His ability to break down performances with both technical insight and engaging storytelling made him a beloved figure in sports broadcasting. Brian Boitano, the 1988 Olympic champion, aptly described Button as “the custodian of the history of figure skating and its quintessential voice.”

Button’s contributions to the sport were not limited to his on-air presence. After a tragic plane crash in 1961 claimed the lives of the entire U.S. figure skating team, Button played a pivotal role in ensuring the 1962 world championships were televised, joining ABC as a commentator. His dedication to the sport and its athletes was unwavering.

Tragically, Button’s passing coincided with another devastating event in the skating world. An American Airlines flight collided with an Army helicopter, crashing into the Potomac River and claiming the lives of 14 people from the skating community, including two teenage skaters and their mothers. The loss was felt deeply, especially at the Skating Club of Boston, where Button had skated and maintained close ties throughout his life. The club’s trophy room bears his name, a lasting tribute to his enduring legacy.

Button’s entrepreneurial spirit also left a lasting mark on the sport. Through his company, Candid Productions, he created professional events for television, providing skaters with opportunities to continue their careers beyond competition. His productions attracted top names like Scott Hamilton, Torvill and Dean, Kristi Yamaguchi, Kurt Browning, and Katarina Witt, further cementing his role as a pioneer in the sport.

Johnny Weir, a three-time U.S. champion and current NBC Sports figure skating analyst, praised Button for creating “an open and honest space in figure skating broadcasting where no topic or moment was off-limits.” Weir added, “He told it like it was, even when his opinion wasn’t a popular one. His zingers were always in my mind when I would perform for him, and I wanted to make him as happy and proud as I would my coaches.”

• Button’s achievements include:
• Two Olympic gold medals
• Five consecutive world championships
• First skater to perform a double axel and a triple jump in competition
• Emmy Award-winning broadcaster
• Founder of Candid Productions

As we remember Dick Button, we celebrate a life dedicated to the advancement and promotion of figure skating. His legacy will continue to inspire skaters and fans alike, reminding us of the power of innovation, passion, and perseverance.