If ever there was an ice skater who put the fun in performing, it would be Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton. Known for his signature backflip and joyful athleticism, Hamilton’s amateur and professional ice skating routines defined the late 1970s and early 1980s, ushering in a new era of storytelling, crowd-pleasing choreography, and music choices that made his routines some of the most highly anticipated and memorable of the era. In a recent social media video, Hamilton, 68, takes fans for a skate down memory lane while revealing the Champions On Ice routine he calls “one of the most fun” of his career. Judging by the audience reaction, Hamilton’s “In The Mood” performance was a fan favorite as well.
Scott Hamilton’s Joyful Style Changed Figure Skating
@scotthamiltonofficial Some performances just make you smile. “In the Mood” was one of the most fun programs I ever got to perform, and watching it again brought back so many great memories. Watch the full reaction now on my YouTube channel!
♬ original sound – Scott Hamilton
Scott Hamilton has never lost his connection to competitive ice skating. One of the sport’s most recognized and beloved athletes, Hamilton regularly uses his social media platforms to revisit his most iconic performances, sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes while offering fans a chance to rewatch some of the most indelible moments from a golden era of Olympic and professional ice skating in America.
In his most recent video, Hamilton rewatched his 1984 performance, using Glenn Miller’s upbeat “In The Mood”, as the soundtrack created for Champions On Ice, calling it one of the most fun performances of his career. As a skater, Hamilton became one of the era’s most beloved performers not just because of his stunning athleticism and seemingly endless collection of tricks, stunts, and “did you see that?” moments. What made Scott Hamilton an ice skating icon was the joy with which he skated. Audiences had a good time watching him because he appeared to be having a good time on the ice.
The James Brown Inspiration Behind “In The Mood”
@scotthamiltonofficial Throwback to “In the Mood” Champions on Ice, 1994. Just having fun, feeling the music, and enjoying every second on the ice.
♬ original sound – Scott Hamilton
“In The Mood” is emblematic of Hamilton’s exuberant style. One of ice skating’s ultimate showmen, he never simply skated through the motions. His greatest talent was connecting with the audience, making them feel part of the show, and yes, having a good time.
Hamilton’s video reveals more about his “In The Mood” routine, including the inspiration behind the “fake ending” inspired by James Brown. Ice skating’s ultimate showman took inspiration from one of music’s most iconic performers, known for feigning exhaustion, leaving the stage, and then returning with another burst of energy to the delight of fans.
For his Champions On Ice “In The Mood” performance, Hamilton jumps, flips, turns, and glides his way into fans’ hearts, only to appear completely exhausted. Playfully, he exits the ice before returning moments later to a cheering crowd. Hamilton then takes the performance to the next level, building on the surprise return with more energy, more jaw-dropping acrobatics, and even more fun.
Related: Olympic Skating Legend, Who Captivated Fans at the 1984 Winter Olympics, Names the Greatest Performance of His Career
Scott Hamilton Brought Joy to a Tense Olympic Era
The late 1970s and 1980s were an era defined by the Cold War and rising tensions between international powers like the United States and the Soviet Union, which often carried over into Olympic competition—particularly in figure skating. For Americans, watching athletes like Scott Hamilton succeed in a sport once dominated by Russian skaters represented more than just an appreciation of athletic excellence. It represented hope, excitement, and national pride.
Scott Hamilton will go down in history as one of the sport’s greatest athletes. The ultimate performer, he helped ease the tension of a nation by skating with championship-level joy. He reminded fans that sports could be about more than competition—it could be about connection, celebration, and the simple happiness of watching someone do what they love.
Every time Hamilton took the ice, audiences knew they were going to have a great time because he was clearly having one, too.
Related: Olympic Skating Legend, 62, Who Created Magic at the 1988 Winter Games, Can Still Make the Ice Sing
🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬
Leave a Reply