1. Overview
Ronald Frederick "Ronnie" Robertson (September 25, 1937 - February 4, 2000) was an American figure skater renowned for his exceptional spinning ability. He achieved significant success as an amateur, notably winning the silver medal at the 1956 Winter Olympics and twice securing silver at the World Figure Skating Championships. His Olympic performance made him one of the youngest male figure skating Olympic medalists. Following his amateur career, Robertson transitioned to professional skating, performing in major shows and on television, and later became a respected coach. His personal life, including his long-term relationship with actor Tab Hunter, became publicly known later in his life.
2. Early Life and Background
Ronald Robertson was born on September 25, 1937, in Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, United States. His father, Albert Robertson, was a naval architect. From a young age, Robertson showed a remarkable aptitude for figure skating, which led him to train under the tutelage of prominent coach Gustave Lussi.
2.1. Childhood and Education
Robertson's early life was significantly shaped by his dedication to figure skating. His training with Gustave Lussi, a highly influential figure in the sport, was instrumental in developing his unique technical skills and artistic expression on the ice.
3. Amateur Skating Career
Robertson's amateur career was marked by consistent high-level performances and the development of a distinctive skating style that captivated audiences and judges alike.
3.1. Major Competition Results
Robertson's competitive achievements include multiple medals at international and national championships.
At the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Robertson earned the silver medal in men's singles. This event was particularly notable for an American podium sweep, with Hayes Alan Jenkins winning gold and David Jenkins taking bronze. Robertson also achieved considerable success at the World Figure Skating Championships, securing silver medals in both 1955 in Vienna and 1956 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Earlier in his World Championship career, he placed fourth in 1953 and fifth in 1954. He earned a bronze medal at the 1953 North American Figure Skating Championships in Cleveland. Domestically, Robertson was a strong contender at the United States Figure Skating Championships, winning silver in 1953 and 1956, and bronze in 1954.
| Event | 1953 | 1954 | 1955 | 1956 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Olympics | 2nd | |||
| World Championships | 4th | 5th | 2nd | 2nd |
| North American Championships | 3rd | |||
| U.S. Championships | 2nd | 3rd | 2nd |
3.2. Skating Style and Skills
Robertson was particularly celebrated for his unparalleled spinning ability. His fast forward upright spin was famously described as being "faster than an electric fan," a testament to his technical mastery and the speed he could generate on the ice. This signature skill made his performances highly entertaining and distinctive.
4. Professional Career and Activities
After concluding his amateur career, Robertson transitioned into professional skating, where he continued to showcase his talents through various performances, media appearances, and later, as a coach.
4.1. Transition to Professionalism and Media Appearances
Robertson retired from competitive skating following the 1956 U.S. Championships. Shortly thereafter, he signed a two-year contract with the renowned ice show, Ice Capades, for 100.00 K USD. His fame extended to television, where he made notable appearances. In 1957, he was featured on The Ed Sullivan Show, where his incredible spinning technique was highlighted. That same year, he also appeared as a featured guest on The Mickey Mouse Club, further solidifying his public presence.
4.2. Coaching Engagements
After a period away from the ice, during which he managed a small hotel he owned with his partner, Robertson was persuaded to return to figure skating as a guest coach. Ted Wilson, a rink designer and manager in Hong Kong, played a key role in convincing him. For a decade, Robertson made annual one-month trips to Hong Kong, teaching at the Cityplaza Ice Palace on Hong Kong Island. During this time, he collaborated with Sashi Kuchiki, a former Japanese Junior Championship champion. Robertson was an exceptionally popular coach, leaving a lasting impression on his students due to his skill and kindness.
4.3. Exhibition and Other Performances
Beyond his regular engagements with Ice Capades and his coaching duties, Robertson participated in other significant professional events. He was the main attraction for Dick Button's Ice Travaganza show, which was a prominent feature during the 1964-65 New York World's Fair.
5. Personal Life
Ronald Robertson's personal life included significant relationships that were later brought into public light, providing insight into his identity and the societal context of his era.
5.1. Relationship with Tab Hunter
In the 1950s, Robertson had a long-term and close personal relationship with actor Tab Hunter, a popular youth star of the time. Hunter not only shared a romantic connection with Robertson but also provided financial support for his amateur skating career, enabling him to pursue his athletic ambitions.
5.2. Sexual Orientation
Ronald Robertson was a gay man. His long-term relationship with Tab Hunter was later publicly revealed by Hunter himself, shedding light on a private aspect of Robertson's life that was largely kept discreet during a period when societal norms often compelled public figures to conceal their sexual orientation.
6. Controversy
Robertson's amateur career concluded amidst a significant controversy at the 1956 U.S. Championships. He faced accusations from the German Figure Skating Federation regarding excessive expenses incurred during a European tour. His father, Albert Robertson, a naval architect, vehemently defended his son, publicly accusing Hayes Alan Jenkins of attempting to disqualify Ronald. Following a substantial dispute with the U.S. Figure Skating Federation, Robertson was ultimately not disqualified from the competition, though he placed second to Jenkins. This incident contributed to his decision to retire from competitive figure skating.
7. Death
Ronald Robertson died on February 4, 2000, at the age of 62. He passed away at a hospital in Fountain Valley, California. The cause of his death was bronchial pneumonia, complicated by AIDS.
8. Legacy and Evaluation
Ronald Robertson left a notable legacy in the world of figure skating, primarily remembered for his revolutionary spinning technique and his transition to a successful professional career.
8.1. Professional Championship
Even after retiring from amateur competition, Robertson continued to achieve significant success in the professional circuit. A highlight of his post-amateur career was his victory at the 1973 World Professional Figure Skating Championships, a testament to his enduring skill and artistry on the ice.