PERKINS-NIGHTENGALE, Pearl Inducted: 1989 Born: Philadelphia, PA USA Pearl Perkins is another of the many gymnasts, men and women, who were multiple sport standouts as you will read, but it is unfortunate that she did not compete in the Olympic Games even though she made the women’s team. Certainly she was saddened, but it is … Read more
KRIMMEL, Paul Inducted: 1994 The records for Paul Krimmel’s penchant for winning national gold medals were probably lost through the years, but when his national championships came to light, it was obvious that he was a candidate for the U.S. Gymnastic Hall of Fame. It just took a while – 80 years or so. Nevertheless, … Read more
KREMPLE, Paul Inducted: 1969 Born: Los Angeles, California-USA In the words of Jerry Wright, “The extent to which environment influences one’s career is appreciated by few, especially in the making of a champion.” Had Paul Kremple not been in Los Angeles competing as a high school student the year the National Championships came to … Read more
KORMANN, Peter Inducted: 1995 Born: Cincinnati, Ohio Peter Kormann has the distinction of being the first to be inducted into the USGHOF as an athlete before he was done coaching. He may have been eligible for the “Hall” as a coach as well. In any case, he was a great athlete and a great coach. … Read more
HENDERSON, Pat Wilson Lifetime Achievement Award: 2009 It is extremely rare for an American to be regarded so highly as to be elected to serve on the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Technical Committee and Pat Wilson Henderson is one of those rare individuals. Career Highlights: Pat Henderson Henderson has represented the USA in approximately 30 … Read more
FINA, Paul (1916-2009) Inducted: 1973 Paul Fina was one of the best gymnasts in America during the 1940’s. However, he was not able to show the world his talents because the 1940 and 1944 Olympic games were cancelled due to WWII. Paul’s potential was honored for his international potential when the National Collegiate Gymnastics Alumni … Read more
CAHOY, Phil Inducted: 2001 It’s a given that many or most parents dream about their children becoming successful in personal endeavors as well as humanitarian efforts. Phil’s father owned a gym and was his coach, so it’s easy to see what Mr. Cahoy, Sr. had in mind. Phil’s parents’ dreams were fulfilled as Phil found … Read more
STEFFEN, Otto Inducted: 1994 Otto Steffen is another athlete who had to be beat to lose; that is, his opponents had to rely on their own skill rather than thinking about winning because Steffen would slip or fall. His reputation was that he just didn’t miss, and we should all relate to that. Keep in … Read more
KORBUT, Olga Inducted: International women’s Sports Hall of Fame, 1982 Special Guest & Significant Contributor to U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Born: May 16, 1955, Grodno, Belarus There is little doubt that the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany were unique. The TV cameras showed up at the gymnastic competitions and Olga Korbut was there to show … Read more
ZABKA, Norma Inducted: 1996 Born: Prelude to Rhythmic Gymnastics The history of Rhythmic Gymnastics can be traced as far back as 1814 by Per Henrik Ling. Ling promoted aesthetic gymnastics in which students expressed their feelings and emotions through bodily movement but it was still calisthenics without apparatus. Then it 1864 proponents of the … Read more