Jeff Buttle

Jeffrey Buttle 2008 World Champion

Jeffrey Buttle began skating at age two and first competed at age six. He garnered international attention in 2002 when he upset the favorites to win the ISU Four Continents Championships, a feat he repeated in 2004. He placed eighth in his Worlds debut and received great praise for his musicality and artistry.

Buttle's skating flourished under the tutelage of Lee Barkell at the world-renowned Mariposa School Skating in Barrie, Ontario. In addition to his consistent jumping, Buttle has continued to hone his presentation skills—something that served him well under the Code of Points judging system.

Buttle continuously improved in international competition, earning the bronze medal in the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy, and winning gold at The World Championships in 2008.  Buttle is the first male Canadian to win the title in 11 years, when two strong performances placed him atop the podium.

"It was definitely an exciting season. I'm obviously elated with the World Championships," he said. "At first, it was shocking. It didn't seem like it was real. It took a while to digest the title itself. After, I felt there was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. Instead of this pressure you'd think I might feel it was the opposite. I feel very at ease on the ice."

Being World Champion does come with some off-ice perks. Buttle was an invited guest at the Juno Awards, where he walked the red carpet and met singer-songwriter Leslie Feist. He was a guest on Canada's No. 1 comedy show, Air Farce Live and he made his talk show debut with an appearance on The Hour.

He has also received recognition for his off-ice style. In 2002 International Figure Skating magazine named him one of the "Ten Most Beautiful People in Figure Skating."

Buttle also takes pride in pursuing his education. He has been a student at the University of Toronto, where he studied chemical engineering. Due to the demanding nature of engineering, Buttle is not able to take courses while touring and performing. He plans to return to school at a future point.

He lists soccer—especially World Cup—and gymnastics as his favorite sports to watch. His off-ice interests include listening to alternative and dance music and watching TV (The Simpsons is a favorite). Although he generally does not watch reality television, he says he does enjoy The Amazing Race.

"I like the intensity," Buttle says. "It's really competitive. I can completely see myself on that show."

On September 10th, 2008, Buttle announced his retirement from competitive skating, but has remained active on the Canadian skating scene.  On January 6th, 2010, Buttle was named Athlete Ambassador for the 2010 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships, and he will attend the 2010 Vancouver Olympics to perform for sponsors and support the Canadian team.

Since retiring from competition, Buttle hasn't slowed down, keeping himself busy travelling the World, dazzling audiences with his innovative and artistic performances.  In addition, Buttle gladly uses his renown from skating to benefit good causes. He's skated in several charity galas and also given time to World Vision Canada.

This year will be Jeff's sixth time touring Canada with Sears Stars on Ice presented by Samsung.

TWITTER POSTS

24 Jun 2010
searsstarsonice: Congratulations to @JoannieRochette for her ESPY Awards nomination for Best Moment. Check out www.espn.com/espys for more info!

14 May 2010
searsstarsonice: Last show tonight... *tear*. What are your favourite memories from the 2010 tour? #countdownto2011 !

13 May 2010
searsstarsonice: A HUGE group of fans here at the @SearsCA store on Robson. Thanks everybody!!

13 May 2010
searsstarsonice: @ceci2492 12pm till 1:30, if you aren't already here!

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