Why I Selected Scott Hamilton for The Celebrity Apprentice

As an Olympic gold medalist, most people know about Scott’s many accomplishments, but he’s also had an equal amount of challenges along the way. He’s a champion on and off the ice.

As an ice skater, a television commentator and as an entertainer, Scott Hamilton is an instantly recognizable figure. He has won 70 different titles and awards, including a gold medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics, but whenever I see Scott, I always think of him as a classy gentleman who always sports a smile. In 1980, the year he finished third in the US Figure Skating Championships, he made millions of American's proud as they watched a jubilant Scott carry the American flag into the Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

Scott is a member of the United States Olympic Hall of Fame and an inductee of the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame. In 1981, he won gold in the World Figure Skating Championships. Scott won gold again in 1982 and 1983 at the U.S. and World Championships, and, of course, the gold medal at the '84 Olympics in Sarajevo. He also won the World Championships that same year. As an amateur and professional skater, and as a TV commentator, Scott never tires of sharing his love of skating, sports and athletes. He also co-founded, produced and starred in “Stars on Ice” for 15 years. Last month Scott released his new inspirational book, The Great Eight: How to Be Happy (Even When You Have Every Reason to be Miserable).

Scott is a cancer and brain tumor survivor. He plays The Celebrity Apprentice for the benefit of The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, www.chemocare.com/cleveland_clinic.asp. Scott is passionate about cancer research and helping children. A tireless fundraiser, his goal is to see cancer cured within his lifetime.