Former Skating Champion Robertson Dies After Illness

Ronnie Robertson, an Olympic, world and U.S. figure skating silver medalist in 1956, died Feb. 4 at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley after a long illness.

Robertson, 62, coached at the Irvine Ice Arena the past two years. Before that, he coached for several years in Paramount.

Considered the fastest spinner in the history of the sport, Robertson, who skated professionally for almost 22 years and earned more than $1.5 million, was called “The King of Spin” and “The Blur.”

A member of the U.S. and world figure skating halls of fame, Robertson could spin at a record 240 revolutions per minute, which translated to 100 mph, and was invited to do just that several times on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

Robertson was the first skater to complete the triple loop and triple salchow in competition.

Plans for a tribute at the Irvine Ice Arena are pending. Details: (949) 262-0907.