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Who Is Scott Hamilton?
Scott Hamilton is a renowned American figure skater, Olympic gold medalist, and influential figure in the world of skating. Throughout his career, Hamilton achieved remarkable success, securing 15 consecutive national championships and earning a gold medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics. Following his amateur career, he turned professional, creating and starring in the popular touring show Stars on Ice. Hamilton also became a respected commentator, providing insightful analysis on figure skating for television broadcasts. In addition to his accomplishments on the ice, Hamilton is an author and a cancer survivor. In 1999, he founded the Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding for cancer research.
Early Life
Scott Scovell Hamilton was born on August 28, 1958, in Toledo, Ohio. He was adopted by Dorothy and Ernie Hamilton, both college educators from Bowling Green, Ohio. From a young age, Hamilton faced significant health challenges, including a diagnosis of Shwachman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects nutrient absorption and results in a shorter stature. Despite these obstacles, Hamilton found solace and strength in figure skating, initially playing hockey before transitioning to figure skating at the age of 11.
Hamilton’s journey to success was not without its struggles. At one point, he moved to Illinois to train, but financial constraints forced him to pause his training in the mid-1970s. It was after the death of his mother in 1977 that Hamilton, with renewed determination, refocused on his skating career and began receiving sponsorship, paving the way for his eventual rise to prominence in the sport.
Olympic Gold
Scott Hamilton’s impressive career began with numerous skating championship titles before securing a place on the U.S. team for the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. At these Games, he made history as the team’s flag bearer during the opening ceremonies and finished fifth in the men’s figure skating competition.
By the time Hamilton reached the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics, he had already dominated the figure skating scene, winning the U.S. and World Championships annually since 1981, ultimately earning 15 consecutive titles by 1984. Despite struggling with both his short and long programs, Hamilton clinched the 1984 Olympic gold medal, securing a combined score that included a strong showing in the compulsory competition. This placed him ahead of his closest competitor, Brian Orser.
Following his triumph at the 1984 World Championships, Hamilton turned professional, gaining fame for his athletic build, which stood at a petite 5′ 2.5″, his sleek skating outfits, and his crowd-pleasing backflips.
Pro Skater & Sports Commentator
As a professional skater, Hamilton co-founded the touring production Stars on Ice in the mid-1980s, and performed in various other shows, including Ice Capades and Scott Hamilton’s Celebration on Ice. In addition to his performances, Hamilton established himself as a respected figure skating commentator on television. His achievements in the sport were recognized with inductions into both the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame and the World Figure Skating Championships Hall of Fame.
Surviving Cancer & Personal Life
In 1997, Hamilton was diagnosed with testicular cancer, a battle he overcame. Years later, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which led to successful surgery in 2010.
In 1999, Hamilton founded the Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative, focusing on funding cancer research, providing online information about chemotherapy, and offering one-on-one mentorship to patients.
Hamilton is also a published author, having released two books: Landing It: My Life On and Off the Ice in 1999 and The Great Eight: How to Be Happy (Even When You Have Every Reason to Be Miserable) in 2009. He married Traci Robinson in 2002, and the couple have two children.