Olympic Champion And Renowned Commentator Dick Button Dead At 95

 January 31, 2025

Dick Button, the Olympic figure skating champion turned charismatic sports broadcaster, has passed away at 95.

Deadline reported that Dick Button's influential career spanned from Olympic glory to vital roles in sports broadcasting and production.

Dick Button's son, Edward, confirmed his father's passing to The Associated Press, though the details surrounding his cause and place of death were not disclosed.

Button's Early Life and Rise in Figure Skating

Born on July 18, 1929, in Englewood, New Jersey, Button began to leave his mark on the sports world early. By the age of 16, he clinched the U.S. championship in figure skating – the first national title awarded after World War II.

In 1948, at the St. Moritz Winter Olympics, Button not only snagged his first Olympic gold medal but also executed the first double axel in competition, a move that would become a staple in the sport. His performances did not just impress; they revolutionized figure skating.

Continuing his trail of innovation, Button performed the first triple jump in competition at the 1952 Oslo Winter Olympics, securing yet another gold medal. His prowess and innovation established new technical standards and captivated audiences worldwide.

Among his lasting contributions to the sport was the invention of the one-footed flying camel spin, often referred to as the "Button Spin." His competitive excellence was unparalleled, reflected in his simultaneous holding of national, North American, European, world, and Olympic titles.

After winning his fifth consecutive world title, Button retired from amateur skating and took his talents to the professional sphere, joining the Ice Capades. This transition marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in his storied career.

Alongside his skating prowess, Button pursued academic excellence, obtaining a law degree from Harvard in 1956. This multidimensional approach to his career further set him apart as a figure of significant influence.

The tragic loss of the entire American figure skating team in a plane crash in 1961 prompted Button to take a pivotal role in sports broadcasting. He convinced Roone Arledge to broadcast the figure skating world championships on ABC's Wide World of Sports, marking a new era of sports television.

Button's expertise and engaging commentary style soon led to an official position with ABC, where he covered all Winter Olympics broadcasts through the 1980s. His exceptional skill in this role earned him an Emmy nomination in 1968 and, later, the inaugural Sports Emmy for Outstanding Sports Personality in 1981.

Even after contributing significantly to ABC, Button continued to share his expertise, working as a commentator for the 2006 Turin Olympics with NBC and concluding his ABC broadcasting career in 2008.

Legacy in Television Production

Beyond the commentary booth, Button founded Candid Productions in 1959, venturing into television production.

He created popular TV shows such as "The Superstars" and produced other significant projects including "Battle of the Network Stars" and "The World Challenge of Champions."

His production prowess was not limited to sports and competition shows. Button also took on Broadway, producing the 1987 play "Sweet Sue." His creative impact was broad, influencing various facets of entertainment and sports broadcasting.

Additionally, Button was an author and actor, with roles in films and TV series such as "The Bad News Bears Go to Japan" and "Beverly Hills, 90210," showcasing his versatile talents.

Button's death marks the end of an era for both the figure skating and broadcasting industries. His contributions have left an indelible mark on sports, television, and the arts. From groundbreaking athletic feats to pioneering television formats, his legacy is multifaceted and enduring.

As the world of figure skating mourns its loss, it also celebrates the rich legacy of a true innovator.

Copyright 2025 Patriot Mom Digest