“Bob Stout was far ahead of his time” so declared Art Shurlock, winning gymnastic coach at UCLA and former Olympian.
Philadelphia High School Championships: Gold-AA, HB, (1941, & 1942). Olympic Games: Helsinki, Finland, (1952). EIC Championships: Gold-AA & PB, (1947, 1948, 1949) + HB, (1949). NCAA Championships: Gold-FX, (1948); HB, (1949); National AAU Championships: Gold-AA, (1952 & ’53); Gold-FX, (1949); HB, (1952). National Turner Championships: Gold-HB, FR, & TU, (1950); Team, (1952). General: Inducted into Temple University Hall of Fame. Bob was a highly respected international judge. After retirement, “Bob” continued to be a major contributor to U.S. gymnastics at all levels; Taught and coached for 17 years and co-founded the Junior High School Gymnastics League in Philadelphia; Administered and taught in numerous clinics for young people and judged for 24 years. Another Olympian and long time coach and judge, Muriel Grossfeld, said, “Bob Stout was one of those rare people who took the time to be nice to a young gymnast. Bob had superior knowledge, talent, and skills; he was a leader, a student, and a teacher. He was strongly and clearly dedicated to many ideals and concepts, which, fortunately for us, included service to our sport of gymnastics.” Family: His wife, Marie, his son, Richard Stout, M.D., and daughter, Susan, survive Robert Stout.
Sources: Courtesy of Dick Albershardt of the World Acrobatics Society for his contributions to this biographical sketch and Abie Grossfeld, 1979 GHOF Honoree, for verification of details. Introduction, commentary, and formatting by Larry Banner, Web Manager.
