STACK, Michelle “Chelle” Inducted: 2011 Chelle enjoyed a side career of wanderlust as she moved from gym to gym in order to learn from a variety of coaches. Prior to training at Karolyi’s gym, she trained with Russians Anna and Leo Belder in PA. After 2 years with Karolyi, she trained at several different gyms … Read more
SAKAMOTO, Makoto Inducted: 1986 Born: April 8, 1947, Tokyo, Japan Makoto emerged in the gymnastic world with a style and steadiness that began a new era of excellence in men’s gymnastics. L.A. City High School Championships: Gold-AA, John Muir, Coach, (1963 & 1965); AAU National Championships: Gold-AA & HB, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, (1963); Gold-AA, Kings … Read more
RETTON-Kelly, Mary Lou Inducted: 1985 – U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Inducted: 1997 International Gymnastics Hall of Fame Inducted: 1997 U.S. Gymnastic Hall of Fame Born: January 24, 1968 Fairmont, West Virginia Mary Lou Retton is the first female Olympic gymnast to win not only the coveted Gold Medal in the AA but four … Read more
PRCHAL, Mildred (1895-1983) Inducted: 1975 Mildred Prchal spent a lifetime of dedicated service to the sport of gymnastics. She served as a representative of the American Sokol Organization for more than 50 years where she taught Artistic and Rhythmic gymnastics and composed numerous numbers for Sokol units as well as Slet mass calisthenics and pageants. … Read more
JACKI, Mike Inducted: 2004 Mike Jacki was a gymnastic visionary. The ideas he promoted were supported by numerous American gymnastic administrators, and these ideas have allowed our U.S. gymnasts to catch and often surpass the performance of the old Eastern Block, the former USSR, the Japanese, and other countries whose gymnasts were most often on … Read more
GROSSFELD, Muriel Davis Inducted: 1981 Born: October 7, 1940 Chicago Tribune Parade Magazine August 23, 1959 (Click image for larger version) Strong in spirit and body, ethereal in flight and grace, Muriel was a true artisan of gymnastic sport. She is one of only a few who have participated, coached, and judged at the … Read more
GAYLORD, Mitch Inducted: 1984 – Olympic Gold Medal Team Inducted: 1998 – Individual. Inducted: U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame – 2005 Born: March 10, 1961 Mitch is quoted by BrainyMedia.com as saying “The greatest memory for me of the 1984 Olympics was not the individual honors, but standing on the podium with my teammates to … Read more
GABLE, Martha A. Inducted: 1978 Born: Philadelphia, PA-USA Martha Gable was elected to the USGHOF as a long-time and highly respected judge in women’s gymnastics. As a national and international judge, she also had the reputation of being able to listen to the athlete’s gymnastic problems and immediately set to work finding appropriate solutions. Her … Read more
FREDERICK-BLANCHETTE, Marcia Inducted: 1995 Born: Springfield, Massachusetts Strasbourg is a city whose name means “town (at the crossing) of roads.” For Marcia Frederick it must have symbolized the crossing of the first of many lines she envisioned crossing in her gymnastics career. With America’s first World Championship Gold Medal glistening from her neck, she had … Read more
DUSSERRE-Farrell, Michelle Inducted: 2006 Born: Long Beach, California-USA Michelle Dusserre-Farrell was blessed with the three elements of athletic success; namely, opportunity, the wherewithal (nearby gyms), and encouragement. Her father was a high school Athletic Director and provided an early push for his girls to enter the world of athletics. Michelle’s sister, Shawna, was already playing … Read more