Button was the first global superstar of the post-war era, securing back-to-back gold medals in 1948 and 1952. He changed the sport by introducing the double Axel and the first triple jump in competition, moving figure skating toward the athletic, high-flying style seen today.
Following his competitive career, Button became the definitive voice of figure skating as a legendary broadcaster for over 50 years. He passed away recently at the age of 95, remembered as the only American gold medalist of his era to remain active in the community into his ninth decade.
Albright made history in 1956 as the first American woman to win Olympic gold. Her victory was a triumph of willpower, as she overcame a severe skating injury just months before the Games to lead a U.S. sweep of the top podium spots.
After retiring from the ice, Albright pursued a distinguished career in medicine, becoming a renowned surgeon. Today, she continues to advocate for health and sports science through her work at MIT, and the Tenley E. Albright Performance Center stands as a world-class training facility in her honor.
Fleming’s 1968 gold medal in Grenoble was a pivotal moment for U.S. skating, serving as the only American gold won during those Games. Her unmatched elegance and effortless style provided a sense of hope and renewal for a national program that had been devastated by tragedy years earlier.
Fleming remains a beloved figure in the skating world, often making special appearances at major events. She spends her retirement in Colorado, where she stays connected to the sport by supporting up-and-coming skaters and appearing as a guest analyst for Olympic broadcasts.
As the 1976 Olympic champion, Hamill became a massive pop culture icon, famous for her signature "wedge" haircut and the "Hamill camel" spin. Her skating was defined by a rare combination of explosive speed and fluid, artistic movement that appealed to a broad mainstream audience.
In recent years, Hamill has focused on promoting ice skating as a performance art. She currently serves as a board member for Ice Dance International and continues to share her expertise through mentoring and public speaking, reflecting on her gold medal win’s 50th anniversary.
Hamilton’s victory in 1984 ended a long drought for U.S. men and helped ignite a new wave of popularity for the sport. Known for his incredible consistency and backflip exhibitions, he became one of the most charismatic and recognizable figures in American athletics.
Today, Hamilton is a prominent philanthropist through his Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, which hosts the "Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer" events across the country. He remains active as a motivational speaker and a frequent presence at national skating competitions.
Boitano’s 1988 gold medal win in the "Battle of the Brians" is considered one of the greatest technical performances in history. His use of military-style precision and the signature "Tano" Lutz jump set a new standard for men's technical merit and athletic power.
Boitano currently hosts the Milan Magic podcast, where he provides expert analysis on the current state of Olympic skating. He is a vocal supporter of the next generation of skaters, recently praising modern champions for their technical comebacks on the world stage.
Harding was a technical powerhouse who made history in 1991 as the first American woman to land a triple Axel. Despite the controversy that eventually ended her skating career, her raw athletic ability and groundbreaking jumps remain a significant part of the sport’s technical evolution.
In recent years, Harding has transitioned into a more quiet life, appearing on reality television and connecting with fans through social media. She continues to be a subject of public fascination, often providing commentary on the intense pressures faced by elite young athletes.
Yamaguchi’s 1992 gold medal win marked the beginning of a dominant decade for U.S. women. Her precision and calm demeanor under pressure made her a model champion, blending technical reliability with a refined, professional presentation that resonated with judges and fans alike.
Yamaguchi is now an active philanthropist through her Always Dream Foundation, which focuses on childhood literacy. She recently celebrated her journey as an Olympian by supporting the newest U.S. champions and remains a regular guest at major skating championships.
Lipinski stunned the world in 1998 when she became the youngest individual gold medalist in Winter Games history at age 15. Her energetic style and high-difficulty jumping combinations revolutionized women’s skating, shifting the focus toward youthful athleticism and technical speed.
Lipinski is currently a leading sports analyst for NBC, providing live commentary alongside Johnny Weir. She remains deeply involved in the sport, even briefly returning to the ice during the 2026 Winter Games for televised demonstrations that showcased her enduring skill.
Kwan is the most decorated skater in U.S. history, earning silver in 1998 and bronze in 2002. Although she never won the gold, her nine national titles and five world championships cemented her status as the sport's greatest artistic legend.
Kwan has successfully transitioned into a career in international diplomacy, serving most recently as the U.S. Ambassador to Belize. Following her tenure in public service, she has focused on her role as a mother after welcoming her second child in late 2025.
Hughes pulled off one of the greatest upsets in history in 2002, jumping from fourth to first place during her free skate. Her performance included two triple-triple combinations, a feat that secured her the gold and remains a highlight of Olympic competition.
After her skating career, Hughes focused on her education and professional development, earning a law degree. She remains a respected figure in the Olympic community, often invited to reflect on the importance of mental toughness and the thrill of underdog victories.
Lysacek’s 2010 gold medal win in Vancouver was the first for a U.S. man in over two decades. He secured the title through a clean, mentally disciplined performance that prioritized flawless execution and high components over the risk of unproven quadruple jumps.
Lysacek has since moved into the world of luxury real estate and international business, living primarily in Thailand and Los Angeles. While he is less active in the daily skating scene, he remains a celebrated figure in the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.
Davis and White made history in 2014 as the first American duo to win Olympic gold in ice dance. Their career was defined by an incredible technical partnership and a level of athletic speed that had never before been seen in their discipline.
The pair continues to work together as ambassadors for the sport and as professional performers. They are currently involved in developing new ice dance training programs and frequently appear as mentors for the U.S. national team.
Rippon became a cultural icon during the 2018 Games, helping the U.S. win a team bronze while captivating audiences with his humor and advocacy. He was one of the first openly gay U.S. athletes to compete at the Winter Olympics.
Rippon is currently a successful media personality and host of the Two Guys, Five Rings podcast. He remains a key voice in the skating community, providing insights and entertainment as he covers the newest generation of skaters on the world stage.
Chen, the "Quad King," dominated the sport with a record-breaking performance in 2022 that included five quadruple jumps in a single program. His technical mastery and calm under pressure earned him the gold and solidified his place as the greatest jumper in history.
Currently, Chen has stepped away from competitive skating to focus on his medical career. Having graduated from Yale, he is currently in medical school pursuing his interest in cardiology and oncology, though he remains an active supporter of the U.S. team.
Weir is one of the most recognizable and beloved personalities in skating history, known for his unique artistic style and flamboyant charisma. While he never reached the Olympic podium, his influence on the sport's fashion and personality remains unmatched.
Weir is now a premier skating analyst for NBC, where his chemistry with Tara Lipinski has made them the face of modern skating broadcasting. He continues to appear in luxury travel and lifestyle programs while providing colorful commentary at global events.
Liu recently completed a historic comeback by winning individual gold for the U.S. at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the first American woman to do so since 2002. After briefly retiring at age 16, she returned to the ice with a new sense of maturity and artistic depth.
Now a student at UCLA, Liu’s victory in Milan was defined by her joyful, carefree style and two triple Lutz jumps that secured her the title. She is currently celebrated as the leader of the new era of American women’s figure skating.
