Dick Button was not just a legendary figure skater who reigned supreme on the ice; he was an icon who redefined the boundaries of his sport and popularized figure skating beyond traditional confines. His passing at the age of 95 marks the end of an era but the legacy he leaves behind is monumental.
Button's illustrious career began shortly after World War II, when as a vibrant 16-year-old, he clinched the U.S. men's championship title in 1946. This feat set the stage for his ascension to Olympic stardom. Two years later, at the St. Moritz Winter Olympics, Button dazzled audiences with the athletic finesse of the first-ever double axel in competition, making his mark as the first American to secure gold in the men's event.
His prowess on the ice garnered him five consecutive world championships, cementing his status as a force in international skating. Beyond competition, he embraced the role of a pioneer, achieving the first triple jump in the sport. His impact was recognized in 1949 when he became the first figure skater awarded the Sullivan Award, a nod to his transformative contributions to U.S. amateur sports.
In an era when athletic careers often concluded with early retirements, Button transitioned seamlessly into professional skating, invigorating the Ice Capades with his performances. Even as he earned a law degree from Harvard, he remained deeply intertwined with the sport, never straying far from the rink that bore witness to his many triumphs.
Button’s charisma and acute analytical prowess shone in his broadcasting career. As a trailblazing commentator for over four decades, he educated audiences through vivid, candid appraisals of performances. Known for his spirited critiques, Button's insights were as valued as the legends of Jim McKay in Wide World of Sports, becoming an integral part of the viewer's experience. Terms like 'lutz' and 'salchow' found their way into everyday language, thanks in no small part to his vivid narrations.
Tragedy often interspersed Button’s journey, such as the 1961 plane crash that decimated the U.S. figure skating team. Yet, his ingenuity ensured the resilience of the sport, persuading the influential Roone Arledge to bring skating to national screens through ABC's “Wide World of Sports.”
In addition to his broadcast career, Button pioneered various professional skating events, offering athletes an avenue to prosper post-competition. His influence was instrumental in drawing skating icons such as Scott Hamilton and Kristi Yamaguchi into the spotlight, solidifying professional skating’s allure.
Button's innovative spirit extended beyond the rink. Through his Candid Productions, launched in 1959, he introduced a variety of engaging programs like the famous “Battle of the Network Stars” and briefly dipped into acting, though his heart remained with skating.
For many, Button epitomized the heart and voice of figure skating. His ability to connect with audiences, coupled with an unabashed authenticity, set him apart. Contemporary skaters like Johnny Weir express gratitude for his honest, unfiltered commentary, which they sought to mirror in their pursuits on the ice.
The world of figure skating mourns the loss of a visionary who, according to 1988 Olympic champion Brian Boitano, was 'the custodian of its history.' But his indelible imprint endures, teaching, inspiring, and shaping the skating community for generations to come, immortalizing the achievements of Dick Button.
