Two-time Olympic champion Richard “Dick” Button, a pioneer in figure skating who revolutionized the sport with his style and commentary, has died at the age of 95. Born on July 18, 1929, in Englewood, New Jersey, Button was a trailblazer in multiple fields.
Button won consecutive Olympic gold medals in 1948 and 1952, five-consecutive World titles from 1948-1952, and numerous other accolades, making him the only man to hold these titles simultaneously. He is also credited with inventing the “Button camel,” now known as the flying camel spin.
In addition to his on-ice achievements, Button was a successful television commentator and producer. He worked for ABC and founded Candid Productions in 1959, producing popular TV broadcasts such as “The World Professional Figure Skating Championships” and “The Superstars.” Button won an Emmy Award in 1981 for his commentary work.
Button retired from competitive skating in 1952 but continued to be involved in the sport through various media outlets. He was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the US Olympic Hall of Fame, US Figure Skating Hall of Fame, and World Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
Button is survived by his partner Dennis Grimaldi and their two children, Edward and Emily. A tribute to his remarkable career will be published in the Spring issue of SKATING magazine.
Source: https://www.usfigureskating.org/news/press-release/remembering-dick-button