the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Englewood NJ, Dick Button, a New Jersey native and two-time Olympic gold medalist, passed away on Thursday at the age of 95 in North Salem, N.Y., his daughter confirmed to The Washington Post. Button was not only a pioneer in competitive figure skating but also a revolutionary voice in sports broadcasting, shaping the way the world viewed the sport for decades.
A Skating Trailblazer: Two-Time Olympic Champion
Born in Englewood, New Jersey, Button made history in 1948 when he became the first U.S. skater and youngest American man to win an Olympic gold medal at just 18 years old. He went on to defend his title in 1952, making him the only U.S. figure skater to win two Olympic gold medals.
Other Unmatched Achievements:
🏅 First skater to land a double axel and a triple jump in competition
🏅 Seven-time U.S. Champion (1946-1952)
🏅 Five-time World Champion (1948-1952)
His innovations and fearless approach changed the sport forever. Fellow Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton praised Button’s impact, saying:
“He was the guy that changed the sport forever. So many people that came after him learned from him… His greatness and explosive athletic ability were beyond spectacular. And he did it all outdoors.”
A Lasting Legacy in Broadcasting
After retiring from competition, Button used his Harvard education and deep knowledge of the sport to become one of the most respected voices in figure skating.
🎤 Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee (2015)
🏆 Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Sports Personality (1991)
📺 Longtime figure skating analyst for CBS and ABC (1962–2000s)
Beyond skating, Button also created the hit television reality series The Superstars in 1973, which pitted professional athletes against each other in multiple sports. The show’s success led to the spinoff Battle of the Network Stars, featuring actors in sports competitions.
An Everlasting Impact on Figure Skating
In 2024, Button was posthumously inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, adding to his earlier honors, including his induction into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame (1976).
Following news of his passing, U.S. Figure Skating posted a tribute:
“The legendary Dick Button’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.”
Tara Lipinski, 1998 Olympic Champion, summed it up best:
“No other figure skater embodies the sport as much as Dick Button. He is, and always will be, the godfather of this sport.”
Rest in Peace, Dick Button – The Skating Legend Who Defined a Sport.
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