Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton Reflects on Life After Skating

The figure skating champion has found success in broadcasting, charity work, and overcoming health challenges since retiring from competition.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Scott Hamilton, the 1984 Olympic figure skating gold medalist, has remained a prominent figure in the sports world since retiring from competition. After winning gold, Hamilton co-founded the Stars on Ice tour and has worked as a figure skating commentator for major networks. He has also faced and overcome several health challenges, including testicular cancer and brain tumors, and has dedicated himself to various charitable initiatives, including the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation which promotes cancer education and research.

Why it matters

Hamilton's story highlights the resilience and versatility of Olympic athletes, who often go on to successful careers beyond their competitive days. His ability to reinvent himself as a broadcaster, author, and philanthropist while also courageously battling health issues serves as an inspiration to many.

The details

After retiring from professional skating in 1994, Hamilton has remained active in the figure skating community as a commentator, appearing on broadcasts for CBS and NBC. He has also made guest appearances on TV shows like Roseanne and Frasier, and had a cameo in the 2007 figure skating comedy Blades of Glory. In addition to his media work, Hamilton has faced significant health challenges, including testicular cancer in 1997 and multiple brain tumors, the most recent of which was diagnosed in 2016. Despite these setbacks, he has remained committed to various charitable initiatives, founding the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation to promote cancer education and research, and serving as a global ambassador for the Special Olympics and an honorary board member for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

  • Hamilton won the Olympic gold medal in figure skating in 1984.
  • He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1997.
  • Hamilton retired from professional skating in 1994.
  • His third brain tumor diagnosis came in 2016.
  • Hamilton and his wife Tracie Robinson adopted two children from Haiti in 2013.

The players

Scott Hamilton

An American figure skater who won the gold medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics and has since worked as a figure skating commentator, author, and philanthropist.

Tracie Robinson

Scott Hamilton's wife, who accompanied him on a volunteer trip to Haiti where they adopted two children in 2013.

Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center

The medical center where Hamilton received treatment for his various health issues, including testicular cancer and brain tumors.

Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation

A nonprofit organization founded by Hamilton to promote cancer education and research.

Special Olympics

An international organization that Hamilton serves as a global ambassador for, supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities.

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What they’re saying

“I loved training. I loved feeling better than I was the last year. I loved winning. The process of competing almost put me in a mental institution, but I loved skating.”

— Scott Hamilton (U.S. Figure Skating Magazine)

What’s next

Hamilton continues to be involved in figure skating commentary and charitable initiatives, and his health journey remains an ongoing story as he navigates his latest brain tumor diagnosis.

The takeaway

Scott Hamilton's life story is a testament to the resilience and determination of Olympic athletes, who often go on to find success and meaning in their lives beyond the competitive arena. Despite facing significant health challenges, Hamilton has remained committed to giving back to his community through his charitable work and inspiring others with his perseverance.