Figure skating legend Dick Button, a two-time Olympic champion, has passed away at the age of 95. U.S. Figure Skating confirmed his death in a statement on X on Thursday, January 30. The organization did not disclose a cause of death.
“U.S. Figure Skating mourns the loss of the legendary Dick Button. The two-time Olympic champion’s pioneering style & award-winning television commentary revolutionized figure skating. His legacy will live on forever. We extend our deepest condolences to his family & loved ones.”
U.S. Figure Skating mourns the loss of the legendary Dick Button. The two-time Olympic champion’s pioneering style & award-winning television commentary revolutionized figure skating. His legacy will live on forever. We extend our deepest condolences to his family & loved ones.
— U.S. Figure Skating (@USFigureSkating) January 31, 2025
His passing comes just one day after a tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C., claimed the lives of several U.S. figure skaters. All 64 passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 died in the accident.
Richard Totten “Dick” Button was born on July 18, 1929, in Englewood, New Jersey. He became one of the most influential and pioneering figures in figure skating history.
Button’s journey into skating began at an early age, encouraged by his father, who wanted him to train under elite coaches. He rose quickly through the ranks, winning his first U.S. National Championship in 1946 at just 16 years old. This victory marked the beginning of a dominant career that saw him become the most decorated American male skater of his era.
Button won his first World Championship in 1948 and repeated the feat in 1949, 1950, 1951, and 1952. He also earned Olympic gold at the 1948 Winter Games in St. Moritz, Switzerland, becoming the first American to do so in men’s figure skating. Four years later, at the 1952 Olympics in Oslo, Norway, he successfully defended his title, making him the first man to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the sport.
A true innovator, Button was responsible for revolutionizing figure skating with technical advancements. In 1948, he became the first skater to land a double axel in competition. He further cemented his legacy in 1952 when he executed the first-ever triple jump in Olympic history—a triple loop. His athleticism and technical breakthroughs set new standards for generations of skaters.
On this terrible, sad day for figure skating with the loss of young upcoming talent and their family members and coaches in the plane crash, I am further heartbroken with the loss of figure skating legend, my friend, Dick Button. pic.twitter.com/1GCpLkIlx6
— Brian Boitano (@BrianBoitano) January 31, 2025
After retiring from competitive skating, Button turned to broadcasting, becoming the voice of figure skating for American audiences. For more than 40 years, he provided insightful, often blunt commentary on Olympic and world championship events. His analysis and deep knowledge of the sport made him a beloved figure in the skating community.
In addition to his broadcasting career, Button contributed to the development of professional figure skating. He founded the World Professional Figure Skating Championships. His influence also extended to skating judging, as he advocated for higher technical standards. Button received numerous accolades, including induction into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
Button is survived by his longtime partner, Dennis Grimaldi, as well as his children, Emily and Edward, whom he shared with skater Slavka Kohout per PEOPLE.
