Greatest Contribution To The Sport

**RealtorGal** · 08-05-2003, 06:45 AM

What person has made the greatest contribution to the sport of figure skating?

My own vote has to go to Dick Button, although all of the others listed above have made enormous contributions to the sport, as have many others.

**Joesitz** · 08-05-2003, 08:05 AM

I believe the popularity of the Sport came with Sonia, and her contributions to keeping the artistic part of the sport alive by instituting the Ice Shows. All this and the interest created by her three gold OLY medals which imo, will never be repeated. (Btw, she was not my favorite. But, just giving her due.)

Dick, of course, put men's figure skating on the boards!

And yes, all the others mentioned. One more very important skater: JOHN CURRY, who gave freedom of movement to men's figure skating.

I am really curious as to what was going on in the Soviet Union at this time. Anyone know?

Joe

**Pookie** · 08-05-2003, 10:38 AM

What a great poll. My goodness, there are so many great choices, I can't choose one. They each made such great and significant contributions to the sport. Was there ice dance before Torvill and Dean? To me, not really. Dick Button is still contributing as are several of them.

**Mathman** · 08-05-2003, 01:06 PM

To me, Sonja Henie has no rival for this honor. As a person, she had her flaws as we all do, but her impact on the sport was beyond measure.

Mathman

**dewet** · 08-05-2003, 02:26 PM

Sonja Henie, she really made FS popular.

**lil_icesk8er915** · 08-05-2003, 07:38 PM

I voted for Sonja. Because if it wasn't for her, skating probably wouldn't be that popular. She went into films (which introduced more people to Figure Skating), did ice shows (now we have COI and SOI and a lot more!), and even more! And since the public likes it, now people make skating movies, people write skating books, people have skaters in their advertisements, show skating competitions and shows on TV, and a number of other things! Thanks Sonja!

**windspirit** · 08-06-2003, 12:22 PM

I voted for Sonja Henie, too. My two other choices would be Dick Button, and Torvill & Dean (who got me interested in FS).

**NanSinger2** · 08-07-2003, 02:45 AM

Although I agree with the SH comments. For me, T&D impacted how I felt about skating a great deal. They were so incredible to watch. I wish I could have watched SH in competition. It must have been amazing.

**Dee4707** · 08-07-2003, 12:07 PM

What about Dororthy Hamel??

Dee

**Kara Bear** · 08-10-2003, 10:03 PM

Tarasova

**kayskate** · 08-11-2003, 06:49 AM

I vote for Lussi. He revolutionized skating by developing the crossed leg jump position allowing triples and eventually quads.

Kay

**skatepixie** · 08-12-2003, 02:57 AM

Sonia and Peggy.

**Rachael** · 08-17-2003, 05:53 PM

Dick Button and Sonja Henie.

**Lee** · 08-18-2003, 03:33 PM

To me, John Curry and Toller Cranston made the greatest contribution to the sport in that they broke the mold of men skating with poles up their butts. Curry and Cranston created real 'artistry' in men's skating and opened the door for the likes of Kurt Browning and all the other guys who have been able to so ably create characters and moods on the ice.

Thanks, gentlemen...we wouldn't have had Yags and "Winter" in the past couple years if it hadn't been for you two.

**Tonichelle** · 08-20-2003, 05:17 PM

I voted for Chris and Jayne

but Scott Hamilton revolutionized the way they do professional figure skating... it's not just dummied down programs and ice capades anymore... it's pushing the artistic envelope...