History of Dick Button in Timeline
Richard Totten Button was a highly influential American figure skater known for his athleticism and innovative contributions to the sport. A two-time Olympic champion (1948, 1952) and five-time consecutive world champion (1948-1952), Button was the first skater to successfully land a double Axel jump in competition and the first to land any triple jump (a triple loop). He also invented the flying camel spin. His athletic style, considered the "American School" of figure skating, contrasted with the more traditional European approach, ushering in an era of increased athleticism in the sport following World War II. Button also holds the distinction of being the only non-European man to win the European championship.
April 11, 1952: Television Debut on "We the People"
On April 11, 1952, Dick Button made his television debut, skating on the rink at Rockefeller Center for the show "We the People".
October 13, 1954: Appearance on "I've Got a Secret"
Dick Button appeared as a guest on the television show "I've Got a Secret" on October 13, 1954, as one of five former Olympic champions.
1960: Button's Commentary Debut at the Winter Olympics
Dick Button began his decades-long career as a television commentator in 1960, covering the Winter Olympics for CBS. This marked the start of his prominent role in figure skating broadcasting.
1961: Button Commentates U.S. Figure Skating Championships
In 1961, Dick Button provided commentary for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, broadcast by CBS.
1962: Button Joins ABC Sports
Dick Button became a figure skating analyst for ABC Sports in 1962, covering major events like the U.S. and World Figure Skating Championships. This began his long association with ABC.
1963: Donald McPherson wins World Championship
In 1963, Donald McPherson won the World Figure Skating Championship. He would later star in Dick Button's Ice-Travaganza in 1964.
1964: Dick Button's Ice-Travaganza at the World's Fair
In 1964, Dick Button co-produced an ice show titled "Dick Button's Ice-Travaganza" for the New York World's Fair. The show, which starred 1963 World Champion Donald McPherson, unfortunately faced financial difficulties and closed after a short run.
1975: Marriage to Slavka Kohout
Dick Button married figure skating coach Slavka Kohout in 1975. The marriage would later end in divorce.
1976: Induction into World Figure Skating Hall of Fame
Dick Button was inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1976, the same year it was established.
July 5, 1978: Assault in Central Park
On July 5, 1978, Dick Button suffered a severe head injury after being assaulted by a group in Central Park.
1981: Button Wins Emmy Award
Dick Button's contributions to sports broadcasting were recognized in 1981 when he received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality – Analyst.
December 31, 2000: Skating Accident and Brain Injury
On December 31, 2000, Dick Button suffered a skull fracture and serious brain injury from a skating fall. He recovered and later became a spokesman for the Brain Injury Association of America.
2006: Button Commentates at 2006 Olympics and "Push Dick's Button" Segment Debuts
During the 2006 Winter Olympics, Dick Button provided commentary on loan from ABC and the popular "Push Dick's Button" segment debuted on the USA Network's Olympic Ice show.
2007: "Push Dick's Button" continues
The "Push Dick's Button" segment, where viewers submitted questions for Button to answer on air, continued to appear in various broadcasts, including the 2007 U.S. and World Figure Skating Championships.
2008: ABC Ends Figure Skating Broadcasts
In 2008, ABC removed the U.S. and World Figure Skating Championships from its broadcast schedule, ending Dick Button's long run as a commentator for the network.
2009: Button Judges "Battle of the Blades"
In 2009, Dick Button served as a judge on the CBC's reality show "Battle of the Blades".
2010: Button Judges "Skating with the Stars" and Commentates at 2010 Olympics
Dick Button served as a judge on the reality show "Skating with the Stars" and provided commentary for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
2025: Mid-Air Collision Impacts Skating Community
In 2025, a mid-air collision over the Potomac River resulted in the deaths of several individuals involved in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, including members of the Skating Club of Boston, with which Button had a lifelong association. Button's death occurred less than a day after this tragic event.