Richard Button, who won figure skating gold for Team USA in 1948 and 1952 before going on to star as a commentator, has died, his family announced. He was 95.
Richard Button, a legendary figure in U.S. figure skating, passed away at the age of 95. Known for his dominance in the sport, Button won back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 1948 and 1952, becoming the first skater to land a double Axel in competition and later the first to perform a triple jump. His innovative techniques and charismatic performances not only revolutionized figure skating but also made him a beloved figure in the sport. Beyond his competitive achievements, Button was a commentator for ABC Sports, covering figure skating for over 25 years, and was inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1976. His contributions to figure skating were recognized with numerous awards, including the Olympic Order in 1984, and he remained an influential figure in the sport until his death.