Dick Button was the first American Olympic figure skating gold medalist in the sport back in 1948, then again in 1952.

NEW YORK — Olympic figure skating great and authoritative commentator Dick Button has died at 95. Button's son, Edward, said he died Thursday and did not provide a cause. Button won two Olympic gold medals, the most accomplished men's figure skater in history. He also was the voice of his sport and one of its greatest innovators.

The Games opened on Jan. 25, with a parade of competing nations. The next day, U.S. skater Charles Jewtraw claimed the first ever Winter Olympic gold medal, winning the 500-meter speed skating event. Finland’s Clas Thunberg won five speed skating medals, including three on Jan. 27.

"It just seemed that it was the most natural thing in the world to go on and compete in the next championship."Button converted his medals into a belt buckle for his mom and a paper weight for his dad.

Dick Button, a two-time Olympic champion in figure skating, embodied the sport. He is the 'godfather of this sport,' Tara Lipinski once said.