Five world championship titles: Olympic figure skating champion dies at 95

By Christian Johner

New York (USA) - The figure skating world mourns the loss of Richard Button. The two-time Olympic champion is dead. For the US federation, it is the next shock after the devastating plane crash .

Richard "Dick" Button next to a picture of himself. The figure skater was 95 years old.
Richard "Dick" Button next to a picture of himself. The figure skater was 95 years old.  © Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP/dpa

Two-time Olympic figure skating champion Richard "Dick" Button from the USA has died at the age of 95. This was reported by the AP news agency, citing Button's family.

The US Figure Skating Association announced that the former world-class athlete had died of natural causes.

Button won the gold medal in the individual competition at the 1948 Winter Games in St. Moritz and four years later in Oslo. He also became world champion five times.

After his active career, he worked as a commentator and became known as the "voice of figure skating".

Richard Button during a training session in St. Moritz in preparation for the 1948 Winter Olympics.
Richard Button during a training session in St. Moritz in preparation for the 1948 Winter Olympics.  © Uncredited/AP/dpa

Richard Button won two Olympic gold medals and five world championship titles

"We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones," said the US Figure Skating Association.

It is the next shock for the national governing body after several figure skaters, coaches and family members died in the devastating plane crash in the US capital Washington on Wednesday evening.