Other names: BUTTON, Richard Totten, BUTTON, Dick

Born: 18 July 1929

Birthplace: N/A

Nationality: United States

Sport: Skating

ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

St. Moritz 1948

Oslo 1952

AWARDS

Olympic medals:

Gold: 2

Other results:

World Championships

Gold: 5 (48, 49, 50, 51, 52)

Silver: 1 (47)

Courageous Innovator

Two days before the free skating portion of the 1948 Winter Olympics, 18-year-old Richard "Dick" Button successfully completed a double Axel for the first time. Despite its newness, he attempted the move in competition anyway. He hit the double Axel perfectly. Eight of the nine judges awarded Button first place and he earned the gold medal.

Four years later, at the 1952 Oslo Olympics, Button was in command and could have won the championship again by merely performing a safe programme. Instead, Button chose to attempt a triple loop even though no skater had ever performed a triple jump in competition. Once again, Button hit his innovative jump perfectly. This time the judges were unanimous in voting him the winner.