GEIER, Jake (1917-2005) Inducted: 1992 Born: Montrose, Colorado Jake Geier was first and foremost a very successful gymnastics coach. The athletes as well as his peers respected him, and they showed their respect with special awards and accolades. Competitor: Jake received training and competed at the University of Nebraska. During his competition years, gymnastics was … Read more
GAULT, Jim Inducted: 1992 Born: Los Angeles, CA 1936 Jim Gault is another outstanding gymnastic coach who had a style of coaching that gave his athletes confidence in their ability to learn, perform, and win. It is probable that he learned to coach gymnastics well since he had to learn much about the competitive nature … Read more
FIE-Klein, Jacquelyn J. “Jackie” Inducted: 1979 Born: July 11, 1937. Chicago, Illinois Gymnastics has changed drastically since the television airing of the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany where 17 year old Olga Korbut captivated the world with her amazing courage and pixie-like performances. However, it may not be conspicuous that people devoting a … Read more
DRAGHI, John Inducted: 1994 Born: Chicago, Illinois-USA John Draghi was one of the two best junior college coaches throughout the late 1950’s and ‘60’s. He was also another multi-sport athlete, a common finding among Hall of Fame athletes. One of his strongest characteristics was the charisma he generated with his teammates as well as … Read more
CULHANE, James “Jim” Inducted: 2011 Born: Rochester, NY. Culhane competed at a very high level for 19 years (1957-76) and was a member of the 1972 U.S. Olympic Team and the 1971 Pan American Games Team. Olympic Games: member of the 1972 U.S. Olympic Team-Montreal, Canada. 1968 – 7th place in U.S. Olympic Trials; Other … Read more
CROSBY, John, Jr. Inducted: 1998 It appears reasonable to argue that John Crosby, Jr. ruled the gym during the early to middle 70’s. During his prime years, John’s tumbing technique was disseminated and studied throughout the USSR and Japan. However, the most telling of his accomplishments or honors is that he was awarded the … Read more
BISSINGER, John, Jr. Inducted: 1993 John Bissinger competed in only the third summer Olympic Games (1904), so it appears that he is probably the earliest competitor among Gymnastic Hall of Fame Honorees. Actually, the winter games were added in 1924. The Olympics were not intended to be a competition among nations. It was a competition … Read more
BECKNER, John “Jack” Inducted: 1976 Born: June 9, 1930 Jack Beckner was a USA gymnastic era unto himself. His dominance at every level in every event was an inspiration to all. He was every aspiring gymnast’s hero and idol. He was in the top three in every event almost all the time and a … Read more
Beck, Jon Inducted: 2012 Six-time World Tumbling champion Jon Beck of Blue Springs reached the pinnacle of his sport when he was inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame on June 30, 2012 in San Jose, Calif. World Championships: Beck won two tumbling titles at the World Games (1989, 1993), the 1992 World tumbling … Read more
ASHMORE, Jamille “Jay” Inducted: 1993 Born: September 23, 1933, Dallas, TX Whether in the training gym, the competition floor, or in the worlds of coaching, judging, gymnastics or business administration, Jay Ashmore was always moving. And everywhere he moved, with a few positive words, he created confidence and enthusiasm. Ashmore was elected to the … Read more