Trending
In a significant loss for the figure skating community, legendary skater Dick Button has passed away at the age of 95. His son, Edward Button, confirmed the news on January 30, 2024, leaving many in mourning for this extraordinary individual who changed the face of the sport forever. Button died in North Salem, New York, marking the end of an era for this Olympic champion and trendsetter in ice skating.
Richard ‘Dick’ Button was not just a figure skater; he was a pioneer who brought innovation and flair to the sport. Winning gold medals at the Olympics in both 1948 and 1952, Button notably made history by being the first American man to achieve Olympic glory in figure skating. His natural talent shone brightly as he won gold at the St. Moritz Games in 1948 and the Oslo Games in 1952, where he also impressed audiences and judges alike with his remarkable jumps and spins.
Button was famous for executing the first double axel and the first triple jump in competition. These groundbreaking moves not only propelled him to fame but also set new standards for figure skaters worldwide. Button’s creativity on the ice inspired future generations of skaters as he transformed the sport into a captivating display of athleticism and artistry.
But Button’s influence extended far beyond the ice. After leaving competitive skating, he became a beloved television commentator, sharing his insights with audiences on ABC’s “Wide World of Sports.” His engaging commentary helped popularize figure skating, turning it into a major viewing event during the Winter Olympics. Button won an Emmy Award for his work, highlighting not only his prowess as an athlete but also his sharp wit and ability to connect with fans.
Not only did Button excel in his performances, but he also played a crucial role in promoting figure skating as a legitimate art form. He was dedicated to establishing professional events that provided opportunities for skaters transitioning out of competitive careers. His contributions in this area helped shape the landscape of the sport and elevate its status in the sporting world.
Aside from his achievements in skating, Button dabbled in acting. He appeared in several television shows and films, including a notable role in the movie “The Bad News Bears Go to Japan.” This creative side showcased his versatility and willingness to explore different avenues of entertainment.
Button leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten. He is survived by his partner, Dennis Grimaldi, and his two children, Edward and Emily. Tributes are pouring in from the world of sports, reminding us of Button’s many achievements and the impact he had on figure skating and many skaters’ lives. His innovative spirit and infectious passion for the sport will be remembered by fans and fellow athletes alike.
The figure skating community is still reeling from this loss, especially after recent tragic events that claimed the lives of several athletes. Button’s passing marks yet another heartbreaking moment for those involved in the sport. Many are coming together to honor his memory and celebrate the profound influence he had.
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1948 | Gold medal at St. Moritz Olympics |
| 1952 | Gold medal at Oslo Olympics |
| 1949 | James E. Sullivan Award recipient |
| 1952-1957 | Five consecutive World Championships |
As we remember Dick Button today, we reflect on a life filled with incredible milestones, the joy he brought to countless fans, and the profound legacy he leaves behind in the world of figure skating. His contributions to both sport and television have made him a true icon, and his memory will live on among those who loved and respected him.
In a significant loss for the figure skating community, legendary skater Dick Button has passed away at the age of 95. His son, Edward Button, confirmed the news on January 30, 2024, leaving many in mourning for this extraordinary individual who changed the face of the sport forever. Button died in North Salem, New York, marking the end of an era for this Olympic champion and trendsetter in ice skating.
Richard ‘Dick’ Button was not just a figure skater; he was a pioneer who brought innovation and flair to the sport. Winning gold medals at the Olympics in both 1948 and 1952, Button notably made history by being the first American man to achieve Olympic glory in figure skating. His natural talent shone brightly as he won gold at the St. Moritz Games in 1948 and the Oslo Games in 1952, where he also impressed audiences and judges alike with his remarkable jumps and spins.
Button was famous for executing the first double axel and the first triple jump in competition. These groundbreaking moves not only propelled him to fame but also set new standards for figure skaters worldwide. Button’s creativity on the ice inspired future generations of skaters as he transformed the sport into a captivating display of athleticism and artistry.
But Button’s influence extended far beyond the ice. After leaving competitive skating, he became a beloved television commentator, sharing his insights with audiences on ABC’s “Wide World of Sports.” His engaging commentary helped popularize figure skating, turning it into a major viewing event during the Winter Olympics. Button won an Emmy Award for his work, highlighting not only his prowess as an athlete but also his sharp wit and ability to connect with fans.
Not only did Button excel in his performances, but he also played a crucial role in promoting figure skating as a legitimate art form. He was dedicated to establishing professional events that provided opportunities for skaters transitioning out of competitive careers. His contributions in this area helped shape the landscape of the sport and elevate its status in the sporting world.
Aside from his achievements in skating, Button dabbled in acting. He appeared in several television shows and films, including a notable role in the movie “The Bad News Bears Go to Japan.” This creative side showcased his versatility and willingness to explore different avenues of entertainment.
Button leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten. He is survived by his partner, Dennis Grimaldi, and his two children, Edward and Emily. Tributes are pouring in from the world of sports, reminding us of Button’s many achievements and the impact he had on figure skating and many skaters’ lives. His innovative spirit and infectious passion for the sport will be remembered by fans and fellow athletes alike.
The figure skating community is still reeling from this loss, especially after recent tragic events that claimed the lives of several athletes. Button’s passing marks yet another heartbreaking moment for those involved in the sport. Many are coming together to honor his memory and celebrate the profound influence he had.
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1948 | Gold medal at St. Moritz Olympics |
| 1952 | Gold medal at Oslo Olympics |
| 1949 | James E. Sullivan Award recipient |
| 1952-1957 | Five consecutive World Championships |
As we remember Dick Button today, we reflect on a life filled with incredible milestones, the joy he brought to countless fans, and the profound legacy he leaves behind in the world of figure skating. His contributions to both sport and television have made him a true icon, and his memory will live on among those who loved and respected him.
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making
The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
The information provided by California News Bird is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure that the content we publish is accurate, current, and reliable, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or availability of the information, products, or services contained on our website.
