## Figure Skating Icon Dick Button Dies at 95
Legendary figure skater and commentator Dick Button, whose authoritative voice and insightful analysis captivated audiences for over six decades, passed away on Thursday at his home in North Salem, New York. He was 95.
Button,a two-time Olympic gold medalist,revolutionized figure skating in the late 1940s and early 1950s with breathtaking leaps and spins,including the frist triple jump executed in competition.
Beyond his athletic achievements,Button’s impact on the sport reached new heights as a television analyst. Starting with CBS in 1960, he introduced generations of viewers to the intricacies of figure skating through his passionate and often candid commentary.
At a time when figure skating struggled for mainstream attention in the United States, Button, along with fellow commentator Andrea Lawrence, breathed life into Olympic coverage for CBS. Soon, with ABC acquiring rights to the 1964 Innsbruck Games, winter sports coverage flourished, and Button became a familiar voice across all three major networks.button’s commentary wasn’t limited to excited pronouncements. He wasn’t afraid to offer critiques, famously calling christopher Bowman’s 1992 U.S. Championship win “ordinary, boring, slow, conservative and sedate.” Button later clarified his intention was to motivate Bowman rather than deliver harsh criticism.His willingness to share both praise and critique cemented his status as figure skating’s unofficial spokesperson, educating and engaging viewers with his unique blend of expertise, passion, and unwavering honesty.
His son, Edward, confirmed his passing.
Figure Skating Legend Dick Button dies at 91
Dick Button, the groundbreaking figure skater who dominated the sport in the late 1940s and early 1950s and later found fame as a renowned commentator, died Friday at the age of 91.
button’s death was announced by his daughter, who did not disclose a specific cause.
button’s captivating performances and innovative skating maneuvers revolutionized the sport. He became the first American to win Olympic gold in figure skating,achieving the feat twice,at the 1948 Winter Games in St. moritz, switzerland, and again in 1952 at the oslo Games.
At 18,Button made history by becoming the first skater to land a double axel in competition at the 1948 Olympics. Four years later, he stunned the world again by executing the first competitive triple jump, a triple loop, at the Oslo Games.
Beyond his technical mastery, Button possessed a charismatic persona and showmanship that captivated audiences. He was also credited with creating the flying camel spin,a technically challenging move that has become a staple in figure skating.
Button’s dominance extended beyond the Olympic stage. He secured seven consecutive United States men’s titles from 1946 to 1952 and a remarkable five consecutive world championships during the same period. In 1949, he became the first winter athlete to receive the Sullivan Award, a prestigious honor recognizing the outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. He also stands as the only American to win a European singles championship.
After retiring from competitive skating, Button transitioned seamlessly into a prosperous career as a commentator and analyst. He was renowned for his insightful observations, technical expertise, and occasionally blunt critiques.
Button never shied away from voicing his opinions about the commercialization of his beloved sport. In a 2006 interview, he acknowledged the financial realities of modern figure skating while expressing a longing for its simpler past.
“I know this is a sport that is no longer apple pie and motherhood,” Button said. “They’re making major, major sums of money — and taking it away from somebody else.”
Button’s contributions to figure skating are immeasurable. He is remembered not only for his athletic brilliance but also for his enduring legacy as a commentator who brought the artistry and athleticism of the sport to a wider audience.
## Figure Skating Icon Dick Button: From Olympic Glory to TV Star
Dick Button, a two-time Olympic figure skating champion and Emmy-winning commentator, left an indelible mark on the world of skating, both as a performer and as a voice shaping the sport for viewers.
Button’s innovative skating style and undeniable talent captivated audiences during the 1948 and 1952 Winter Olympics. His performances featured groundbreaking jumps and spins that mesmerized spectators. he was particularly noted for his “triple jump,” a feat that amazed viewers at the time. Button’s attire also made a statement. His black jacket contrasted sharply with the backdrop of the snowy Swiss mountains during the 1948 Games, making him a standout figure.After graduating from Harvard Law School, Button embarked on a professional skating career, joining renowned touring shows like Ice Capades and holiday on Ice. Instead of practicing law, he channeled his passion for skating into founding Candid Productions, which produced made-for-TV skating shows.
Button transitioned to broadcasting,becoming a prominent figure skating commentator for ABC’s “Wide World of Sports.” His insightful and engaging commentary brought the artistry and athleticism of figure skating to a wider audience. his work earned him an Emmy Award for outstanding sports personality on TV in 1981.
Button’s deep understanding of skating and his ability to articulate its nuances made him a trusted voice for viewers. He recognized the unique blend of sport and artistry that defined figure skating, often referring to it as a “theatrical form.” His commentary helped elevate the sport’s popularity, particularly amidst the growing reach of televised Winter Olympics.
Beloved figure Skating Analyst dick Button Dies at 91
Dick Button, a former Olympic figure skating champion who became a highly influential commentator for decades, died on Wednesday. He was 91.
A Life Dedicated to Figure skating
Button’s passion for figure skating spanned his entire life. He won back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 1948 and 1952 and went on to become a prominent commentator for NBC,shaping viewers’ understanding and appreciation of the sport from the 1960s through the 2010 Vancouver Games.
Beyond his on-ice achievements, Button was a renowned performer, appearing in television productions like “Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates” and stage revivals of “South Pacific” and “Mister Roberts.”
A Voice of Authority and Showmanship
Button wasn’t just a commentator; he was an engaging storyteller who brought personality and sometimes controversial opinions to his analysis. he famously referred to himself as a “narrator” and wasn’t afraid to express his views on everything from skaters’ costumes to the emotional displays in the “kiss-and-cry” area.
He once quipped about the elaborate costumes: “Sometimes,I feel caught in a wind tunnel in the costume department at the Metropolitan Opera House.”
His candor and showmanship,combined with his vast knowledge of the sport,made him a beloved and enduring presence in figure skating.
Overcoming Adversity
Button’s life wasn’t without its challenges.He suffered serious injuries in two seperate incidents. In 1978, he was attacked in Central Park, sustaining a fractured skull and brain injury. Later, in 2000, a skating fall resulted in a similar injury, leading him to largely abandon recreational skating.
A Lasting Legacy
Button leaves behind a legacy of athletic achievement, insightful commentary, and a lifelong dedication to figure skating. He is survived by his son and daughter from his marriage to Slavka Kohout, who passed away last year.
**Q: What role did Dick Button play in popularizing figure skating as a commentator?**
Frequently Asked Questions About Dick Button
**Q: What groundbreaking feats did Dick Button achieve in figure skating?**
A: Dick Button revolutionized figure skating with his athleticism and artistry. He was the first skater to land a double axel in competition at the 1948 Olympics and stunned the world by executing the first competitive triple jump, a triple loop, at the 1952 Oslo Games.
**Q: Besides his skating prowess, what made Dick Button so influential in the sport?**
A: after retiring from competition, Button became a renowned commentator, bringing his passion, expertise, and sometiems blunt honesty to television audiences for decades. his insightful analysis helped shape viewers’ understanding and appreciation of figure skating.
**Q: What was Dick Button’s signature commentary style?**
A: Known for his engaging storytelling and often controversial opinions, Button referred to himself as a “narrator” and wasn’t afraid to express his views on everything from skater costumes to emotional displays.
**Q: Did Dick Button face any major challenges in his life?**
A: Yes, Button suffered serious injuries on two separate occasions. A 1978 attack in Central Park and a skating fall in 2000 both resulted in fractured skulls and brain injuries, ultimately leading him to largely give up recreational skating.
**Learn more about the extraordinary life and legacy of Dick Button by exploring the articles above.**
