FUCHS-BRAUSE, Doris Inducted: 1982 Born: June 11, 1938 I, Larry Banner, 1993 HOF Honoree, met Doris in Rochester, NY in 1958. I was competing in my first National AAU meet, and from the start, I sensed that Doris was a champion in the making. To this day, there are several three time Olympians and only … Read more
DAWES, Dominique Inducted: 1998-Olympic Gold medal team, (1996) Individually Inducted: 2005 Born 1976, Silver Spring, MD. Affectionately known by her coach and teammates as “Awesome Dawesome”, Dominique became a three-time Olympian & first African American Olympic gymnast, winning numerous national medals as well as multiple World Championship medals. Dominique started in the sport of gymnastics … Read more
DARST, Delene J. Inducted: 1985 Born: February 19, 1940, Atlanta, Georgia. Motto: Bags Packed, Ready to Travel, & Lookin’ for 10s! As a teacher, coach, judge, and administrator, Delene has devoted a lifetime of service to the advancement of the sport of gymnastics. Education: B. S. Springfield College, (1962), M. A. Michigan State University, … Read more
BROWNING, Dicki “Dick” Inducted: 2002 Dick Browning was a tumbler who learned much as a protégé of fellow Gymnastics Hall of Fame Honoree, Charlie Pond, inventor of the Pond Twisting Belt. He actually gained notoriety when Life Magazine wrote about his feat of high jumping 7 ft. 2 in. by approaching the bar with … Read more
BIXLER, Dallas (1910-1990) Inducted: 1960 Olympic Games: Gold-HB, Wright states that Dallas’ performance on the HB brought a score of 18.33 out of 20.00, which was a remarkable winning score. He also writes that it took several hours before he received his medal since there were so few people in the stands when he won. … Read more
STRAUSS, Donna & William Inducted: Dual Induction for Coaching & Service: 1989 Donna Born: August 12, 1942. Eastern Pennsylvania William Born: September 20, 1938. PenArgyl, Pennsylvania There are many inductees into the USA Gymnastic Hall of Fame who were recognized for the honor by virtue of their accomplishments on the gym floor. There are … Read more
WALLER, Chris Inducted: 2003 Chris Waller is another great American gymnast who barely avoided a near crippling condition in his youth, but character, spirit, and dedication did not allow him to give up. It is obvious from his accomplishments that once he tasted the satisfaction of perfectly executing a gymnastic move or combination of moves … Read more
VAVRA, Charles “Charlie” (d) Inducted: 1963 Born: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Coach Charlie Vavra was a man who arrived at the University of Colorado to stay a year that became a career. As quoted in the Denver Post, Charlie said, “Life is not a series of awards, testimonials, etc. as it is with many sports figures. … Read more
UMPHREY, Chainey Inducted: 2005 Born: Albuquerque, NM Chainey Umphrey is a study in perseverance, and it led to a goal obviously very important to Chaney be an Olympic gymnast! He overcame so many obstacles that some might have called his efforts a problem with preseveration, but they were flat-tail wrong. It seemed to start when … Read more
SIMMS, Charlie (1928-2003) Inducted: 1989 Born: Los Angeles, CA “Charlie Simms was a good friend and mentor. He taught me most of what I learned on the HB and I copied his HB mount using it for my entire career. He helped me with the expenses of school and hired me during the summer after … Read more