Legendary Figure Skating Coach Frank Carroll Dies at 85

Hall of Fame coach Frank Carroll, known for mentoring Olympic and world champions such as Michelle Kwan, Evan Lysacek, and Gracie Gold, passed away on Sunday at the age of 85.

Frank Carroll, a renowned figure skating coach and a prominent figure in the world of the sport, passed away on Sunday at the age of 85. His death was confirmed by U.S. Figure Skating in a statement released on social media.

Carroll, a native of Massachusetts, coached a plethora of exceptional Olympians throughout his illustrious career, including Michelle Kwan, Evan Lysacek, Timothy Goebel, and Gracie Gold. During his time in the coaching ranks, he was instrumental in guiding his skaters to numerous Olympic and world championships, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Michelle Kwan, one of Carroll's most celebrated pupils, expressed her sorrow and gratitude for her coach. "For over 10 years, Frank was by my side – coaching and mentoring me to be the best skater and person that I can be," she said in a text to USA Today's Christine Brennan. "He bestowed upon me a wealth of knowledge and history of the sport he loved so much."

Evan Lysacek, who became the first athlete Carroll coached to win an Olympic gold medal, fondly remembered his mentor. "Frank taught me and shaped me, as an athlete and as a person. Although he said several times that he didn’t much care about winning an Olympic Gold, I wanted it for him," Lysacek said in a statement to NBC Sports.

Carroll's legacy extends far beyond the Olympic podium. He was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1996, the Professional Skaters Association Hall of Fame in 2002, and the International Skating Institute Hall of Fame in 2006. His coaching brilliance has been recognized with 10 world championships under his guidance, and he is one of only three coaches to have coached both ladies' and men's senior world champions in the same year.

Carroll's journey in figure skating began as a skater himself. He trained under Olympic medalist Maribel Vinson Owen, whose tragic death in the 1961 plane crash that claimed the lives of the entire American figure skating team aboard left a profound impact on him.

After retiring from competitive skating, Carroll dedicated himself to coaching, where his passion and expertise blossomed. He mentored countless skaters, instilling in them not only technical prowess but also a deep love for the sport. His unwavering belief in his athletes and his ability to ignite their potential propelled them to greatness on the ice and beyond.

Frank Carroll's passing is a significant loss to the figure skating community and the world of sports. His contributions to the sport and the lives of his skaters will forever be remembered and cherished. His legacy as a legendary coach and mentor will continue to inspire generations of skaters to come.