Dick Button

Dick Button is one of the most influential and successful American figure skaters in history. Born on July 18, 1929,…

By Staff , in Athletes , at September 19, 2024 Tags: skaters

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Dick Button is one of the most influential and successful American figure skaters in history. Born on July 18, 1929, in Englewood, New Jersey, he revolutionized the sport during the 1940s and 1950s, introducing new elements and setting a high standard for future generations of skaters. Button is best known for winning two Olympic gold medals and being a five-time World Champion. His innovative performances and contributions to figure skating have left a lasting impact on the sport.

Early Life and Introduction to Skating
Birth and Background: Dick Button was born to a well-to-do family in Englewood, New Jersey. His father was a lawyer, and his parents initially hoped he would follow a similar career path. However, Button’s passion for figure skating emerged at a young age.

Early Training: Button began skating at the age of 12 and quickly showed great potential. By the age of 14, he was competing at a high level, and his talent attracted the attention of Gustave Lussi, a renowned Swiss-born figure skating coach. Lussi became Button’s coach and played a pivotal role in shaping his skating career.

Competitive Achievements
National and International Success: Dick Button quickly rose through the ranks of American figure skating, winning his first U.S. National Championship in 1946 at the age of 16. He would go on to win the U.S. title seven consecutive times (1946–1952), establishing himself as the dominant figure skater in the United States.

Olympic Gold Medals:
1948 Winter Olympics: Button achieved international fame at the 1948 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland, where he won his first Olympic gold medal at the age of 18. At these games, he became the first American to win Olympic gold in figure skating, breaking European dominance in the sport. He also became the first skater to perform a double Axel in competition, a groundbreaking achievement that pushed the technical boundaries of figure skating.
1952 Winter Olympics: Button defended his Olympic title at the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo, Norway, becoming the first male skater to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in figure skating. At these Olympics, Button once again made history by landing the first triple jump ever performed in competition: a triple loop. This was a significant milestone that raised the technical standards of figure skating.
World Championships: In addition to his Olympic victories, Button was also a five-time World Champion (1948–1952), winning the title each year between the two Olympic Games. His dominance at the World Championships solidified his status as the top figure skater in the world during his competitive years.

Other Major Titles: Button also won the European Championships in 1948 (when non-Europeans were allowed to compete) and was a seven-time North American Champion. His record of seven consecutive U.S. national titles and his undefeated streak at the World Championships made him one of the most decorated male figure skaters in history.

Innovations and Style
Pioneering Technical Elements: Dick Button was known for introducing and mastering new technical elements that revolutionized figure skating. Two of his most notable contributions include:

The Double Axel: In 1948, Button became the first skater to successfully land a double Axel in competition. The Axel is considered one of the most challenging jumps because it requires a forward takeoff, making Button’s accomplishment groundbreaking at the time.
The Triple Loop: Button made history again in 1952 by landing the first triple jump ever performed in competition—the triple loop. This was a significant leap forward in the technical difficulty of figure skating programs and paved the way for future skaters to attempt and master more complex jumps.
Artistic Innovation: In addition to his technical prowess, Button was known for his artistry and creativity on the ice. He introduced new spins and footwork sequences, and his performances were characterized by a blend of athleticism and grace. He also popularized the camel spin, a variation of the sit spin that became a staple in modern figure skating routines.

Transition to Broadcasting and Later Contributions
Professional Skating and Television Career: After retiring from competitive figure skating in 1952, Button transitioned to a professional career in the sport. He performed in ice shows and exhibitions, but perhaps his most lasting contribution to figure skating in his post-competitive years was as a television commentator.

Broadcasting Career: Button became a beloved and authoritative figure in the world of figure skating broadcasting. He worked as a commentator for ABC Sports for decades, providing expert analysis and commentary for the Olympic Games, World Championships, and other major figure skating events. His insightful and candid commentary, combined with his deep knowledge of the sport, made him a respected voice in figure skating coverage. Button’s broadcasting career lasted for over 40 years, and he was considered a key figure in promoting the sport to a wider television audience.

Influence on the Sport: Beyond his commentary, Button remained active in the figure skating community, serving as a mentor to younger skaters and an ambassador for the sport. His contributions to the technical and artistic aspects of figure skating influenced generations of skaters, and many of the elements he introduced became foundational to modern figure skating programs.

Awards and Honors
Skating Hall of Fame: Button has been inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame, recognizing his achievements and contributions to the sport. His impact on figure skating is undeniable, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest male figure skaters of all time.

Primetime Emmy Award: In recognition of his work as a figure skating commentator, Button received an Emmy Award for his contributions to sports broadcasting, further highlighting his role in bringing figure skating to a broader audience.

Legacy
Dick Button’s legacy as a figure skater and commentator is vast. He transformed the sport with his technical innovations and became a pioneering figure in the development of men’s figure skating. His achievements, particularly his two Olympic gold medals and the introduction of complex jumps like the double Axel and triple loop, set new standards for future skaters. As a commentator, his sharp insights and passion for the sport helped elevate figure skating’s profile in the media.

Button’s influence is still felt today, as modern figure skaters continue to push the boundaries of what is possible on the ice, following in the footsteps of his groundbreaking achievements.

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Push Dick's Button: A Conversation on Skating from a Good Part of the Last Century--and a Little Tomfoolery

Button, Dick (Author)
English (Publication Language)
254 Pages - 12/10/2013 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)