Jeff Buttle

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.

Jeffrey Buttle has been with Sears Stars on Ice presented by Samsung since 2005.

Jeff Buttle - Accomplishments

• 2008 World Championships - 1st
• 2008 Four Continents Championships - 2nd
• 2008 Canadian Championships - 2nd
• 2007 Cup of Russia - 4th
• 2007 Skate Canada - 3rd
• 2007 World Championships - 6th
• 2007 Four Continents Championships - 2nd
• 2007 Canadian Championships - 1st
• 2006 World Championships - 6th
• 2006 Winter Olympic Games - 3rd
• 2006 Canadian Championships - 1st
• 2005 Grand Prix Final - 2nd
• 2005 Trophée Eric Bompard - 1st
• 2005 Skate Canada - 2nd
• 2005 Canadian Championships - 1st

Q & A with Jeff Buttle

What is the most rewarding part of figure skating?

It makes me happy!  The ability to move, skate, and entertain makes me happy; that is most rewarding.

What’s your next career move? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I still see myself involved with skating.  Although it may not be through performing, it will likely be in the form of choreography.  Also, I will return to University and begin preparing for a life outside of the rink.

What are the top 5 songs on your iPod?

Ball and Biscuit by The White Stripes
Dog Days are Over by Florence and the Machine
Adagio (IV Moment) from Mahler’s 9th Symphony
L:esson Learned by Ray LaMontagne
The Great Escape by Patrick Watson

What is your favourite meal to cook?

Cook? I’m a downtown Toronto bachelor and therefore do not cook.

What is your favourite Stars on Ice memory?

Skating in the Finale number with Brian Orser on his final Stars tour.  Every night the energy was amazing, as he had preceded finale with “Story of my Life” to a standing ovation.

What has been your favourite country to visit and why?

This is a tough question, but I’ve spent the most time in Japan and enjoy it there.  The people have always be en so proper and polite and Toyko has the energy that I love in a city.

How do you spend your time when you aren’t on the road?

Spending as much time with family and friends as possible.  When they’ve had enough of me I read, watch movies, and generally just relish in being in one location for a generous amount of time.

Most memorable career moment?

Winning Worlds was definitely my most memorable career moment while competing.

If you could compete in an Olympic sport other then figure skating, what would it be and why?

Undoubtedly a summer sport (training is warmer, haha). I would probably do trampoline because who doesn’t love jumping on a trampoline?

If you hadn’t become a professional athlete, what do you think your current career would be?

I would probably be in research/development of pharmaceuticals.  Not a fan of what-ifs though.

Who is your idol?

I’ve recently realized there are too many to list.  Inspiration can come in so many forms.

If you could have dinner with one person, who would it be and why?

Perhaps my older self.  Not to know the future, but to get some advice and wisdom (okay and maybe some winning lottery numbers)

If you could be an animal for one day, what would it be and why?

Our family dogs have always had the best lives.  Eat/sleep/play/repeat.  That being said, the ability to fly is hard to pass up.  I’ll go with eagle.

If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life what would it be and why?

I do love chocolate, but I’m not sure I could function simply on that.  I’ll go with spaghetti.  Not the best for breakfast but I’m sure I’d still eat it.