August 31, 1959 – Challenges at the 1959 Pan American Games spark efforts for change
Chicago hosts the 1959 Pan American Games. The organizing committee had appointed Paul Fina as director of competition for gymnastics, with the Amateur Athletic Union overseeing the competition. Friction between the organizing committee staff and the AAU emerges during the conduct of the competition. At the conclusion of the Games, the Pan Am Games Organizing Committee sent a letter to the U.S. Olympic Committee requesting the removal of George Gulack as chairman of the Olympic Gymnastics Committee. Charles Pond attended the AAU annual convention in Miami in 1960, meeting with the leadership of the U.S. Olympic Association and the AAU’s Jerry Hardy and Gulack to discuss the problems within gymnastics. The leaders’ consensus was that Gulack’s leadership was good for gymnastics, and changes were not made.
March 17, 1960 – NAGC passes resolution regarding AAU leadership
Discussion about the challenges with the Amateur Athletic Association and the Olympic Gymnastics Committee is included on the agenda of the National Association of Gymnastics Coaches (eventually known as the National Association of College Gymnastics Coaches). The coaches in attendance pass a resolution expressing dissatisfaction with the gymnastics leadership of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and recommending the resignation or removal of George Gulack. NAGC President Harold Frey sends a letter with this resolution to the AAU, but nothing changes. The meeting was held at Pennsylvania State University.
December 15, 1960 – NAGC reaches out to NCAA
National Association of Gymnastics Coaches President Harold Frey sends a letter to Wilbur Johns, who is chairman of a National Collegiate Athletic Association sub-committee designated to work with the Amateur Athletic Union regarding new federations for track and field and basketball. Johns responds with suggestions for gymnastics to follow a similar path.
April 6, 1961 – NAGC passes another resolution
At its Spring meeting, the members of the National Association of Gymnastics Coaches (NAGC) pass another resolution, this time addressing the gymnastics leadership of both the Amateur Athletic Union and the U.S. Olympic Committee and asking for the removal of George Gulack as chairperson of the Gymnastics Committee. The vote is 38-2. Eugene Wettstone is elected president and sends letters to both organizations. The response is to support the current leadership.
October 1, 1961 – NCAA hosts meeting with AAU and collegiate coaches
The National Collegiate Athletic Association hosts a meeting in Chicago with representatives from the Amateur Athletic Union, basketball, gymnastics, and others to discuss a compromise in administering amateur sports. The NCAA listened to the perspective of the gymnastics coaches, who held parallel meetings to discuss the situation and explore the possibility of forming a new gymnastics organization. Gene Wettstone, president of the National Association of Gymnastics Coaches, and Harold Frey are the official reps for the joint meeting, and Glenn Wilson, Dick Holzaepfel, Bob Kreidler, Newt Loken, Bill Meade, George Szypula, Bill Roetzheim, Jan Roberts and Paul Fina are also on hand. Basketball had started a similar effort and was willing to assist gymnastics. Wettstone asks Frey to chair a committee to work on a resolution to form a new federation.
December 1, 1961 – NCAA coaches meet with AAU to select Olympic Committee for Gymnastics chair
The National Collegiate Athletic Association selected six coaches (Jake Geier, Chet Phillips, Charles Pond, Lyle Welser, Gene Wettstone, and Harold Frey) to serve on the Olympic Committee for Gymnastics. The six meet with the six members from the Amateur Athletic Union and the Armed Forces representative to select the committee’s chairman for the next four years. Despite the college coaches’ request for a change in leadership, the AAU and Armed Forces voted as a block and selected the incumbent, George Gulack. The NCAA coaches asked for a recess and met with NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. After explaining existing problems, Byers supported their decision to boycott the remainder of the U.S. Olympic Committee for Gymnastics meetings. The coaches did not attend any future committee meetings.
January 11, 1962 – NCAA Committee calls for independent federation
At the NCAA Committee on Olympic-AAU Relations, UCLA Athletic Director Wilbur Johns called for independent federations for gymnastics, baseball, and track and field. Two months later, at the AAU Convention in Chicago, a gymnastics federation was proposed as part of the larger federation movement, but no action was taken.
January 18, 1962 – NCAA general council votes to support separation from AAU
National Association of Gymnastics Coaches President Gene Wettstone was invited to speak to the delegates at the NCAA’s general council annual meeting. Following his presentation regarding the challenges in dealing with the AAU and USOC, the general assembly voted to support gymnastics, track and field, and basketball in its efforts to separate from the AAU and form a new organization.
March 4, 1962 – NCAA meets with AAU/USOC leaders
The National Collegiate Athletic Association calls a meeting with all collegiate gymnastics coaches in Chicago to discuss forming a new organization should the NCAA/U.S. Olympic Committee/Amateur Athletic Union meetings about amateur sports not succeed. Representatives from the NCAA, the AAU, and the USOC have met several times previously to discuss administering amateur athletics. At the March meeting, it becomes apparent that the AAU-USOC leaders are unwilling to compromise. The NCAA asks the National Association of Gymnastics Coaches to move ahead in forming a new federation, and work on a constitution begins.
September 29, 1962 – Dissatisfaction with the AAU results in a meeting
Due to inaction by the AAU, a U.S. Gymnastics Federation (USGF) Development Meeting was held in Chicago. Forty representatives from all aspects of gymnastics attend the meeting. Eugene Wettstone, the National Association of Gymnastics Coaches president, ran the two-day meeting. Temporary officers are elected, and committees continue their work.
The attendees are: Clifford Fagan (National Association of State High School Athletic Associations), Charles Neinas (National Collegiate Athletic Association), Guy Wrinkle (Los Angeles Schools), Patricia Cullen (University of Illinois), Chet Phillips (U.S. Naval Academy), Ruth Ann Inskip (National Summer Palaestrum Camp), Harold Frey (University of California – Berkeley), Lyle Welser (University of Georgia Tech), B.G. Lewis (U.S. Military Academy – observer), George Szypula (Michigan State University), W.A. Crenshaw (University of Texas), Gordon Maddox (Los Angeles State College), Ferdinand Roethlisberger (Swiss-American Gymnastics Association), Jon Culbertson (Chicago Turners), Charles Calhoun (Cleveland Turners), Andrew Doyle (American Turners), Edwin Halik (American Sokol), Mildred Prchal (American Sokol), Wayne Truex (Illinois State Normal College), Frank Walcott (New England Gymnastics Federation), Paul Fina (Chicago), Warren Neiger (University of Pittsburgh), William Meade (Southern Illinois University), Charles Pond (University of Illinois), Sam Bailie (University of Arizona), Bill Roetzheim (Proviso East High School), Newton Loken (University of Michigan), Gene Wettstone (Pennsylvania State University), James Rozanas (Gymnastics School – Chicago), James Farkas (American Turners), Don O’Hannes (Chicago Turners), Ted Muzyczko (Chicago Turners), Tom Gardner (Maine Township High School), Vic Lesch (Illinois H.S.), Charles Werner (U.S. Track and Field Federation), Bud Marquette (Lakewood Recreation Department), Dr. Margaret Brown (Panzer College), Wilbur Johns (University of California – Los Angeles), E. J. Roberts (S.C. Gymnastics Association), Glenn Sundby (“Modern Gymnast”) and Katherine Ley (American Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Recreation).
December 8, 1962 – Meeting establishes USGF, elects Boydston as president
On December 8-9, the group that met in March at the first U.S. Gymnastics Federation (USGF) Development Meeting reconvenes. The United States Gymnastics Federation (USGF) was established, and the USGF Constitution was adopted. The officers elected are Donald L. Boydston, athletic director for Southern Illinois University, president; Glenn Sundby, editor of “Modern Gymnast,” vice president (m); Clayton “Bud” Marquette, director of gymnastics at Lakewood Recreation Department, vice president (w); and Dick Clausen, athletic director of the University of Arizona, secretary-treasurer. Along with the officers, the members of the USGF Executive Council were: Chet Phillips, Herb Vogel, Joe Giallombardo, Charles Pond, and Charles Calhoun. The National Association of Gymnastics Coaches, National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations, National Junior College Athletic Association, Women’s National Gymnastics Association, and the American Turners are charter members of USGF.
January 7, 1963 – Bare is appointed USGF executive director
On January 7, Frank Bare became the United States Gymnastics Federation’s first executive director and opened an office in his home in Tucson, Ariz. The NCAA provides funding to help get the organization started (which lasts for 10-12 years). Also, Gene Wettstone, the chairman of the USGF’s Committee on Committees, begins forming committees to work on the more technical aspects of the federation and procedures.
February 1, 1963 – USGF publishes first newsletter
The first USGF Newsletter was published in February. Sent via the mail, it contained current information on the business of the U.S. Gymnastics Federation, along with other information of interest to the gymnastics community. “Modern Gymnast,” the magazine published by Glenn Sundby, also helped provide USGF information in the organization’s early years.
June 14, 1963 – USGF holds first nationals
The U.S. Gymnastics Federation runs its own national championships in addition to those held by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). The event was held in Park Ridge, Ill., at Maine East High School, and Donna Schaenzer and Arthur Shurlock became the first USGF all-around champions. Nearly 100 gymnasts participated in the two-day event, which was the first national meet in the U.S. that specified compulsory routines for each division and included trampoline and tumbling.
October 1, 1963 – Millman wins gold in Germany
Dan Millman won the U.S. Gymnastics Federation’s first international gold medal at the Fahrbach-Schuster Cup in Salzgitter, Germany.
March 21, 1964 – First World Trampoline and Tumbling Championships is held
The first World Trampoline and Tumbling Championships are staged in London, England. Twelve federations participated. The USA wins three trampoline medals: Dan Millman, gold; Gary Erwin, silver; and Judy Wills, gold.
January 1, 1965 – USA sweeps Trampoline Worlds
The U.S. Gymnastics Federation sends a U.S. Trampoline Team, which was chosen through trials, to the second World Trampoline Championships in London. Gary Erwin and Judy Wills win the trampoline titles, and the USA sweeps the medals. For the men, Frank Schmitz and Wayne Miller finish second and third, respectively. Beverly Averyt and Nancy Smith are the silver and bronze medalists for the women.
June 1, 1965 – USGF loses bid for membership in FIT
The U.S. Gymnastics Federation makes an effort to gain recognition from the International Trampoline Federation. Frank Bare travels to the FIT Congress in Basel, Switzerland, where he and Jeff Hennessy of the Amateur Athletic Union meet with FIT leaders. The FIT opts to go with the AAU. After this, the USGF begins disbanding its trampoline program.
November 1, 1965 – First Coaches Congress is staged
The First Congress of American Gymnastics Coaches is held in Denver, with approximately 50 people in attendance. During the Congress, the group establishes a national competition program, clinics, and an age-group training program. The decision is made to make it an annual event. The event’s name was changed to the USGF Coaches Congress, then the USGF Congress, and eventually the USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show.
January 1, 1966 – USGF meets with FIG in Poland
Gene Wettstone and Ernie McCoy of Pennsylvania State University travel to Warsaw, Poland, for informal meetings with International Gymnastics Federation President Arthur Gander.
1966 (exact date unknown) – USGF offices move
The U.S. Gymnastics Federation offices moved from Frank Bare’s home into space made available at the Flamingo Hotel in Tucson, which allowed for administrative space.
January 1, 1967 – Bare forms “National Committee on International Franchise”
Frank Bare creates a “National Committee on International Franchise” to study the control of athletics in the USA, focusing on the structure of government relations and amateur sports bodies. The committee sent a report to Arthur Gander, president of the International Gymnastics Federation, on Feb. 21, 1968, that clarifies the sports structure in the USA, outlines the differences between the Amateur Athletic Union and U.S. Gymnastics Federation; and explains that there is no national governing sports body in the U.S. and the government is not involved. The USGF first applied to the FIG for recognition in 1963.
September 1, 1967 – Women’s Committee is formed
At the 1967 Congress held in Kansas City, the U.S. Gymnastics Federation’s Women’s Committee was formed in response to the growth of women’s competitors and private gym clubs, along with the need for a network of competitions. The National Compulsory Routines for Girls became a joint project of the USGF and the Division of Girls and Women’s Sports of the American Association of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. The goal was to create a national system of compulsory routines for girls, along with judges’ training and certification.
October 1, 1967 – Modern Gymnast becomes the official USGF magazine
“Modern Gymnast,” published by Glenn Sundby, became the official magazine of the U.S. Gymnastics Federation. “Modern Gymnast” was instrumental in getting the word out about the creation, development, and beginning of the USGF and promoted the organization and its activities from the beginning of the 1960s and, of course, the start in 1963.
1967 (exact date unknown) – FIG president visits third Coaches Congress
Held in Kansas City, Mo., International Gymnastics Federation President Arthur Gander visits and lectures at the third Congress of American Gymnastics Coaches. He talks about rules, rules changes, etc. This is the first time the FIG president has visited the USA for this purpose.
November 1, 1967 – Bare is invited to FIG Executive Committee
George Gulack, a vice president of the International Gymnastics Federation and a former AAU officer, invites Frank Bare, the U.S. Gymnastics Federation executive director, to attend the FIG Executive Committee in Copenhagen, Denmark. FIG President Arthur Gander praises the USGF Coaches Congress he attended; Gulack addresses the issues with the Amateur Athletic Union and USGF; and Bare speaks about what the USGF is doing for gymnastics in the USA and the support it enjoys from organizations in the sport. Bare is photographed with members of the Executive Committee: Gander, Klas Thoresson, Max Bangerter, Berthe Villancher, Nicolai Popov, Gulack, and Mario Gotta.
June 1, 1968 – FIG Congress empowers Gander to address the AAU-USGF issue
At the International Gymnastics Federation Congress in Rome, the Congress gives FIG President Arthur Gander the power to address the differences between the Amateur Athletic Union and U.S. Gymnastics Federation.
1968 (exact date unknown) – USGF publishes FIG ‘Code of Points’ in English
The U.S. Gymnastics Federation made the International Gymnastics Federation “Code of Points” for both men and women available in the USA, and it was the first time the information was available in English. Also, the USGF makes the “Interpretations of International Rules for Women’s Gymnastics,” authored by Jackie Fie, available.
October 22, 1968 – U.S. Gymnastics Commission is formed
A meeting is called by Arthur Gander, the president of the International Gymnastics Federation, with Don Hull and Jerry Hardy of the Amateur Athletic Union and Frank Bare of the U.S. Gymnastics Federation to discuss the dissension regarding which organization — AAU or USGF — should run gymnastics in the United States. At the meeting, the U.S. Gymnastics Commission was created to conduct gymnastics in the U.S., and the agreement was signed on Oct. 22. The 10 members of the commission (five AAU and five USGF) are Janet Bachna, Frank Bare, Sid Drain, Jerry Hardy, Tom Maloney, William Meade, Robert Tanac, Eugene Wettstone, Sharon Wilch and Don Wilderoter. The commission was not as effective as Gander had hoped.
April 1, 1969 – USGF hosts first World Cup
In conjunction with the national championships in Long Beach, Calif., the U.S. Gymnastics Federation holds the first World Cup, which was the idea of Glenn Sundby. Cathy Rigby wins the event. Athletes from Canada, Yugoslavia, Finland, Japan, and the USA participated. The International Gymnastics Federation later adapts the idea.
May 1, 1969 – U.S. Gymnastics Commission falls apart
The U.S. Gymnastics Commission fell apart in the spring because the Amateur Athletic Union refused to modify its hold on Olympic Gymnastics Committee seats. The U.S. Gymnastics Federation requests again to be the FIG member and replace the AAU as the national governing body in the U.S.
July 1, 1969 – USGF reps attend FIG Congress
The U.S. Gymnastics Federation sends a delegation to attend the International Gymnastics Federation Congress in Basel, Switzerland, and pursue having the USGF achieve governance of gymnastics in the USA. Frank Bare, Bill Meade, and Jackie Fie attend the FIG Congress, Men’s and Women’s Technical Assemblies, and Gymnaestrada.
October 22, 1970 – Rigby wins USA’s first World Championships medal
Cathy Rigby wins the balance beam silver medal, the USA’s first World medal, at the World Championships in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia.
October 23, 1970 – USGF is recognized by the FIG
U.S. Gymnastics Federation is recognized by the International Gymnastics Federation as the national governing body for the sport, taking the reins from the Amateur Athletic Union. The decision was made at the FIG Congress in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia, which was held after the World Championships. Both the AAU and the USGF made presentations about handling gymnastics in the USA; Ernest McCoy and Frank Bare were present for the USGF. The USGF won by a 20-8 vote, with some countries abstaining. According to Frank Cumiskey, the contributions of Frank Bare, George Gulack (former AAU president), Dean McCoy, Gene Wettstone, and Arthur Gander (FIG president) were responsible for the USGF victory.
September 1, 1971 – USGF moves headquarters
Leaders in Tucson (Conquistadores) fund the construction of a new sports federation building that houses both the U.S. Gymnastics Federation and U.S. Track and Field.
May 1, 1972 – USGF holds Olympic Trials, selects first Olympic Team
The U.S. Gymnastics Federation Championships in April at Georgia Southern was a qualifying event for the Olympic Trials. In May, the USGF held the semifinals to select the top 12 men for the 1972 Olympic Team at the University of California – Berkeley. The men’s final trials are held at Maine West High School in Des Plaines, Ill. The women’s final trial is held in Long Beach, Calif. The 1972 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team, the first chosen by USGF, features: women – Kim Chace, Linda Metheny, Joan Moore, Roxanne Pierce, Cathy Rigby, Nancy Thies, Debbie Hill (alternate); and men – Marshal Avener, John Crosby, Jim Culhane, George Greenfield, Steve Hug, Makoto Sakamoto, Jim Ivicek (alternate). The coaches are Muriel D. Grossfeld, for the women, and Abie Grossfeld, for the men.
May 3, 1972 – Bare is elected to FIG Executive Committee
Frank Bare becomes a member of the International Gymnastics Federation’s Executive Committee (through 1976) at the FIG Congress in Munich.
March 1, 1973 – USGF stages ‘Big Tour’
The U.S. Gymnastics Federation and several partners stage the “Big Tour,” which features members of the men’s and women’s Soviet National Team, local collegiate teams, and trampoline demonstrations. The USSR’s Olga Korbut is the star of the tour. The eight-city tour grosses more than $1 million in gate receipts, and more than 150,000 spectators attend. Houston, Buffalo, N.Y., Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York City are the cities. A stop in Chicago is added at the last minute. Madison Square Garden has the largest crowd at 19,694.
May 5, 1973 – USGF holds first rhythmic nationals
The U.S. Gymnastics Federation stages the first National Modern Gymnastics Championships and sends its first delegation to the World Modern Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Modern gymnastics was eventually renamed rhythmic gymnastics.
November 16, 1973 – USA competes in first World Modern Gymnastics Championships
The USA sent its first entry into the World Modern Gymnastics Championships, which were held in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Kathy Brym and Sarah Brumgart are on the team.
March 26, 1976 – Conner, Comaneci win inaugural American Cup
The first American Cup is staged at Madison Square Garden in New York City; Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci win the titles.
July 17, 1976 – Kormann wins Olympic floor exercise bronze medal
Peter Kormann wins the floor exercise bronze at the Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada, for the USA’s first Olympic individual event medal since 1932.
August 1, 1976 – Fie joins FIG WTC
Jackie Fie is elected to the International Gymnastics Federation’s Women’s Technical Committee (through 2004) at the FIG Congress in Montreal, Quebec. Frank Bare is elected to the Executive Committee (through 1980).
October 23, 1978 – USA wins two gold medals at World Championships
USA wins its first World gold medals at the World Championships in Strasbourg, France. Marcia Frederick wins the uneven bars title, and Kurt Thomas claims the men’s floor exercise gold. Kathy Johnson also earns the floor bronze.
November 9, 1978 – Carter signs U.S. Amateur Sports Act into law
U.S. Amateur Sports Act, authored by Ted Stevens, was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Jimmy Carter, officially recognizing the U.S. Olympic Committee as overseeing Olympic sports and the establishment of national governing bodies (effectively eliminating the power of the Amateur Athletic Union). The USOC recognizes the USGF as the national gymnastics governing body for the USA.
October 1, 1979 – USGF moves offices to Ft. Worth
U.S. Gymnastics Federation office moves to Ft. Worth, Texas, following the 1979 World Championships, and Roger Counsil becomes executive director. Frank Bare announced his retirement, which was effective on Jan. 1, 1980, when the Board voted to move offices earlier in the year.
December 3, 1979 – USA wins eight medals at World Championships
The USA hosts the World Championships in Ft. Worth, Texas, marking the first time the event is held outside of Europe. The U.S. men win the country’s first team medal when it finishes third. The team includes Kurt Thomas, Bart Conner, Jim Hartung, Larry Gerard, Tim LaFleur, Peter Vidmar, and Mike Wilson. The USA wins eight medals, twice as many as the USA has won to date. Thomas captures two gold (floor exercise and horizontal bar) and three silver (all-around, pommel horse, and parallel bars), including the USA’s first all-around medal. Conner claims the parallel bars gold and the vault bronze. The International Gymnastics Federation Congress is also held in conjunction with the event.
March 21, 1980 – USA boycotts Olympic Games
President Jimmy Carter announced the USA would boycott the Olympic Games in Moscow to a group of U.S. athletes. The boycott is in response to the December 1979 Soviet incursion into Afghanistan. It is the first and only time that the United States has boycotted the Olympics.
August 23, 1980 – Hartford hosts gymnastics ‘Alternate Olympics’
In 1980, the U.S. government funded a series of international competitions to “replace” missing the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. For gymnastics, the ‘Alternate Olympics’ is called the 1980 USGF International Invitational and is held in Hartford, Conn. The countries that competed include Japan, China, USA, Switzerland, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Norway, Korea, Canada, New Zealand, and Israel. The USA’s 1980 Olympic Team members are men — Bart Conner, Phil Cahoy, Ron Galimore, Larry Gerard, Jim Hartung, Peter Vidmar, and Mike Wilson; and women – Luci Collins, Marcia Frederick, Kathy Johnson, Beth Kline, Amy Koopman, Julianne McNamara, and Tracee Talavera. For the men, Galimore, the top U.S. finisher in the all-around at fifth, wins the vault title and bronze medals for the floor exercise and still rings. Japan’s Nobuyuk Kajitani takes the all-around title. Mitch Gaylord also competes for the USA, earning the high bar bronze. For the women, Frederick is the top medal winner: gold – vault; silver – all-around; and bronze – uneven bars and balance beam. Also competing for the United States and garnering medals are Lynn Lederer, silver, floor exercise; Kelly Garrison, bronze, floor; and Lisa Zeis, bronze, vault.
June 1, 1981 – Rhythmic gymnastics is added to the Olympic program
Rhythmic gymnastics becomes an Olympic discipline.
September 1, 1981 – USGF publishes its first magazines
The “USGF Technical Journal,” which became “Technique,” was published on Sept. 1 as a monthly magazine to convey information, trends, techniques, stats, etc. Dr. William Sands, the USGF director of educational research, is the editor. “USGF Gymnastics” magazine became a membership benefit rather than a subscription publication, with the September/October issue published bi-monthly.
November 19, 1981 – USA earns two bronze at World Championships
Julianne McNamara and Tracee Talavera capture the uneven bars and balance beam bronze medals, respectively, at the World Championships in Moscow.
May 2, 1983 – USGF opens offices in Indianapolis
U.S. Gymnastics Federation opened its headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind. The decision to move was made earlier in 1983, based on a significant offer from the Indiana Sports Corp. and the Lilly Endowment to be part of its efforts to attract national governing bodies to Indianapolis.
March 1, 1984 – USGF establishes education division
The U.S. Gymnastics Federation establishes the education division.
June 1, 1984 – Rhythmic Olympic Trials are held
The first U.S. Olympic Trials for rhythmic gymnastics are held in Atlantic City, N.J.
July 28, 1984 – USA wins 16 Olympic medals, including five gold; rhythmic makes its Olympic debut
In Los Angeles, the USA has its most successful Olympic Games ever, winning 16 medals (five gold, five silver, and six bronze). The U.S. men win the team gold medal, the USA’s first-ever team gold, and only men’s team gold. The team consists of Peter Vidmar, Bart Conner, Tim Daggett, Mitch Gaylord, Jim Hartung, Scott Johnson, and Jim Mikus (alternate). Conner wins the parallel bars gold. Vidmar is the gold medalist on the pommel horse and the silver medalist in the all-around. Gaylord is the silver medalist on vault and the bronze medalist for both the still rings and parallel bars. Daggett is the pommel horse bronze medalist. For the women, Mary Lou Retton wins the country’s first Olympic all-around title. She also earns the vault silver and the bars and floor bronze. Julianne McNamara ties for the uneven bars gold medal and earns the floor silver. Kathy Johnson is the beam bronze medalist. The women’s team claims the silver medal. The other members of the women’s team are Tracee Talavera, Michelle Dusserre, Pam Bileck, and Marie Roethlisberger (alternate). Rhythmic gymnastics makes its Olympic debut in Los Angeles, and the U.S. squad includes Michelle Berube and Valerie Zimring.
October 2, 1988 – Mills wins Olympic bronze
Phoebe Mills wins the balance beam bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Seoul.
October 14, 1989 – Johnson wins World vault silver
Brandy Johnson claims the vault silver medal at the 1989 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany.
September 6, 1991 – Zmeskal wins USA’s first World all-around title
Kim Zmeskal becomes the first American to win the World all-around title. She wins the all-around gold and floor bronze at the 1991 World Championships in Indianapolis. The U.S. women win their first World team medal, claiming the silver. The team consists of Michelle Campi, Hilary Grivich, Shannon Miller, Betty Okino, Kerri Strug, Zmeskal, and alternates Elisabeth Crandall and Sandy Woolsey. Miller also claims the uneven bars silver, and Okino takes the balance beam bronze.
April 15, 1992 – Zmeskal wins two gold at World Championships
Kim Zmeskal wins the balance beam and floor exercise gold medals at the World Championships in Paris, and Betty Okino earns the bars silver.
July 18, 1992 – Fie is elected FIG Women’s Technical Committee President
During the International Gymnastics Federation Congress in Salou, Spain, Jackie Fie was elected president of the FIG’s Women’s Technical Committee (serves through 2004), becoming the first person outside of Europe to be elected president of a technical committee. Fie previously served as vice president of the Technical Committee (1984-92) and a committee member from 1976-84. Other U.S. reps are also elected: Andrea Schmid becomes vice president of the Rhythmic Technical Committee; Bill Roetzheim is re-elected to the Men’s Technical Committee; and Mike Jacki is elected first vice president of the Executive Committee.
July 26, 1992 – USA wins six medals at Olympic Games
At the Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, Trent Dimas wins the horizontal bar gold. Shannon Miller is second in the all-around and balance beam and third on the uneven bars and floor exercise. The women’s team of Wendy Bruce, Dominique Dawes, Miller, Betty Okino, Kerri Strug, Kim Zmeskal, and Michelle Campi (alternate) finishes in third place.
January 1, 1993 – USGF changes name to USA Gymnastics
The U.S. Gymnastics Federation begins doing business as USA Gymnastics, and the title of the chief executive officer changes from executive director to president.
April 12, 1993 – Miller wins World all-around title
Shannon Miller wins the USA’s second World all-around title at the World Championships in Birmingham, England, where she also takes top honors for bars and floor. Dominique Dawes is the silver medalist for both the uneven bars and balance beam.
October 22, 1993 – Indianapolis hosts the first USA Gymnastics National GymFest
USA Gymnastics stages the first National GymFest in Indianapolis, Ind.
April 19, 1994 – Miller wins second World all-around title
Shannon Miller becomes the USA’s only back-to-back World all-around champion when she wins at the World Championships in Brisbane, Australia. She also wins the balance beam gold. The U.S. men’s team also earned a silver on the still rings, the men’s first World medal since 1979.
November 15, 1994 – USA takes team silver medal at World Championships
The U.S. women are second at the team World Championships in Dortmund, Germany. The members of the team are Dominique Dawes, Shannon Miller, Kerri Strug, Amanda Borden, Amy Chow, Jaycie Phelps, and Larissa Fontaine.
July 9, 1995 – USA sends first official delegation to World Gymnaestrada
At the World Gymnaestrada in Berlin, the USA sends its first official delegation and participates in the gala and the English-speaking Evening.
October 1, 1995 – USA takes two medals at World Championships
At the World Championships in Sabae, Japan, the U.S. Women’s Team takes third and Dominique Moceanu is second on the balance beam. The women’s team members are Mary Beth Arnold, Theresa Kulikowski, Shannon Miller, Moceanu, Jaycie Phelps, Kerri Strug, and Doni Thompson.
April 15, 1996 – Dawes earns World Beam bronze
Dominique Dawes is third on the balance beam at the individual event World Championships in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
July 19, 1996 – USA wins women’s Olympic team gold; claims five total medals
At the Olympic Games in Atlanta, the U.S. women win the team gold medal, a first for the USA. The team consists of Amanda Borden, Amy Chow, Dominique Dawes, Jaycie Phelps, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, and Kerri Strug. Miller also wins the balance beam gold medal. Chow is the silver medalist on the uneven bars, and Dawes is the bronze medalist on the floor. Jair Lynch is the parallel bars silver medalist.
1996 (exact date missing) – Group rhythmic gymnastics debuts at the Olympics
Group rhythmic gymnastics makes its Olympic debut at the Olympic Games in Atlanta.
January 1, 1998 – Acro, T&T join International Gymnastics Federation
Trampoline/tumbling and sports acrobatics become official disciplines of the International Gymnastics Federation at the 71st Congress in Vilamoura, Portugal. The International Trampoline Federation (FIT) is dissolved.
January 1, 1999 – Trampoline merges with USA Gymnastics
The American Trampoline and Tumbling Association merges with USA Gymnastics.
February 11, 1999 – Karolyi named first women’s national team coordinator
Bela Karolyi is named the women’s national team coordinator to prepare the team for the 2000 Olympic Games.
June 23, 1999 – First Gymnastics for All is Challenge held
USA Gymnastics holds the first-ever Gymnastics for All Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas.
July 4, 1999 – USA participates in World Gymnaestrada
USA has its first representation in the large group category at the World Gymnaestrada and also participates in the English-speaking Evening.
July 31, 1999 – USA Gymnastics begins National Gymnastics Day
National Gymnastics Day is established as an annual day to celebrate and build awareness of the sport. Gymnastics clubs across the nation participated in a variety of activities.
September 30, 1999 – U.S. men win DMT Team gold at World Trampoline and Tumbling Championships
The U.S. Men’s Double Mini-trampoline Team wins the team gold at the World Championships in Sun City, South Africa. Erin Maguire earns the women’s double mini-trampoline bronze medal. The U.S. Men’s DMT Team members are Mark Griffith, Karl Heger, Byron Smith, and Ryan Weston.
June 23, 2000 – USA Gymnastics holds first National TeamGym Championships
Atlanta, Ga., hosts the first USA Gymnastics National TeamGym Championships.
September 15, 2000 – USA finishes third in women’s team finals at Olympics; trampoline makes its Olympic debut
In Sydney, the U.S. women finished fourth in the team competition at the Olympic Games; however, ten years later, the team of Amy Chow, Jamie Dantzscher, Dominique Dawes, Kristen Maloney, Elise Ray, and Tasha Schwikert received the team bronze medal after the FIG determines the Chinese team falsified ages. Alyssa Beckerman is the women’s alternate; Morgan White withdrew from the team due to injury. Jennifer Parilla represents the USA in trampoline’s Olympic debut.
January 1, 2001 – USA Gymnastics institutes a semi-centralized training system for women
USA Gymnastics revamps the women’s national team program to a semi-centralized training system under the leadership of Martha Karolyi, who is named National Team Coordinator. The new system emphasizes the preparation of athletes for international medal success, with training camps on a regular basis at the newly designated National Team Training Center at the Karolyi Ranch in Huntsville, Texas. The program is designed to frequently evaluate national team members and create a team environment with the sole goal of fostering medal success in international competition on a consistent basis.
July 25, 2001 – USA wins three medals at T&T Worlds
At the World Trampoline and Tumbling Championships in Odense, Denmark, Lajeana Davis earned the tumbling silver. The men claim bronze medals for the tumbling team (Chris Helton, Jared Olsen, Frankie Hartman, Brad Davis) and the double-mini team (Derrick Aldrich, Keith Douglas, Josh Vance, David Ford).
November 4, 2001 – Townsend wins men’s first World gold since 1979
The U.S. Team traveling to the World Championships in Ghent, Belgium, is the first U.S. delegation to leave the country following the Sept. 11 tragedy. At the event, Sean Townsend wins the parallel bars title, the U.S. men’s first World gold medal since the 1979 Worlds. In addition, the U.S. Men’s Team is second, and the U.S. women finish third. Katie Heenan also earns the bronze medal on bars. The U.S. men’s team consists of Raj Bhavsar, Paul Hamm, Steve McCain, Brett McClure, Townsend, and Guard Young. The members of the women’s team are Mohini Bhardwaj, Heenan, Ashley Miles, Tasha Schwikert, Rachel Tidd, and Tabitha Yim. The alternates are men — Daniel Diaz-Luong and Todd Thornton; and women — Dana Filetti and Natalie Foley.
January 1, 2002 – Sports acrobatics becomes a USA Gymnastics discipline
U.S. Sports Acrobatics merges with USA Gymnastics, and sports acrobatics (eventually named acrobatic gymnastics) becomes one of its disciplines. Tonya Case is a current member of the International Gymnastics Federation’s Sports Acrobatics Committee (elected in 2000).
July 12, 2002 – USA hosts World Rhythmic Group Gymnastics Championships
The USA hosts the World Championships for group rhythmic gymnastics in New Orleans, La.
September 27, 2002 – Davis, Booth win USA’s first acrobatic World gold medal
Arthur Davis and Shenea Booth win the USA’s first-ever sports acrobatics gold medal when they take top honors in the mixed pair event at the World Championships in Riesa, Germany.
November 20, 2002 – USA wins two gold medals at World Championships
The USA wins four medals at the World Championships in Debrecen, Hungary. Courtney Kupets and Ashley Postell win gold medals on the uneven bars and balance beam, respectively. Floor exercise bronze medals go to Paul Hamm and Samantha Sheehan.
August 16, 2003 – U.S. women win first World team title; Hamm wins World AA gold medal
The USA had its most successful World Championships in 2003 (to date) in Anaheim, Calif., winning seven medals. The U.S. women win the team gold medal, the USA’s first. Paul Hamm also becomes the USA’s first man to win the all-around title, and he adds a second gold for the floor exercise. Chellsie Memmel and Hollie Vise tie for the uneven bars gold. The men’s team claims the silver medal, and Carly Patterson is second in the all-around. The members of the women’s team are Terin Humphrey, Courtney Kupets, Memmel, Patterson, Tasha Schwikert, and Vise. The men’s team is comprised of Raj Bhavsar, Jason Gatson, Morgan Hamm, Paul Hamm, Brett McClure, and Blaine Wilson. The alternates are men — Alexander Artemev and Guard Young. Annia Hatch and Ashley Postell withdrew due to injury/illness.
October 17, 2003 – USA wins three medals at T&T Worlds
At the World Trampoline and Tumbling Championships in Hannover, Germany, the U.S. wins three double mini-trampoline medals: Shelley Klochan, women’s individual, bronze; men’s team silver — Keith Douglas, Casey Finley, Josh Vance, and Jamar Young; and women’s team silver — Megan Dacy, Whitney Kusak, Drew Rentfro, and Shelley Klochan.
May 21, 2004 – USA wins two medals at Acro Worlds
The USA wins gold and bronze medals at the World Sports Acrobatic Championships in Lieven, France. Arthur Davis and Shenea Booth won their second mixed pair gold medal. Samantha Schabow, Jennifer da Silva, and Danielle Heider win the bronze medal in the women’s group.
July 15, 2004 – USA claims two World Games medals
At the World Games in Duisburg, Germany, the USA wins two medals: Yuliya Hall, women’s tumbling bronze, and Shelley Klochan, women’s double mini-trampoline bronze.
August 14, 2004 – USA wins nine Olympic medals, including both men’s and women’s AA crowns
In Athens, the U.S. Team wins nine Olympic medals — two gold, six silver, and one bronze. Carly Patterson and Paul Hamm both win the all-around titles. They also each earn additional silver: Patterson, balance beam; and Hamm, horizontal bar. The men’s and women’s teams both claim the team silver medals. Silver medals also go to Annia Hatch for vault and Terin Humphrey for the uneven bars. Courtney Kupets is the bars bronze medalist. The women’s team consists of Mohini Bhardwaj, Hatch, Humphrey, Kupets, Courtney McCool, and Patterson. The members of the men’s team are Jason Gatson, Morgan Hamm, Paul Hamm, Brett McClure, Blaine Wilson, and Guard Young. The alternates are for the men — Raj Bhavsar and Stephen McCain; and for the women — Allyse Ishino, Chellsie Memmel, and Tasha Schwikert.
September 14, 2005 – USA wins four medals at T&T Worlds
At the World Trampoline and Tumbling Championships in Eindhoven, Netherlands, the USA wins four medals: men’s double mini-trampoline silver, Keith Douglas; women’s trampoline team bronze (Amanda Bailey, Jennifer Parilla, Jenny Wescott, Alaina Hebert); women’s double-mini team silver (Megan Dacy, Krista Mahoney, Ashlynn Sundvold, Shelley Klochan); and women’s tumbling team silver (Yuliya Hall, Alexis Diaz, Amy McDonald, and Leanne Seitzinger)
November 25, 2005 – USA wins nine World medals, with first U.S. 1-2 finish in women’s all-around
The U.S. women dominated the action at the 2005 World Championships in Melbourne, Australia, winning nine of a possible 10 medals for the most ever won by the USA. Chellsie Memmel edges out Nastia Liukin to become the third U.S. woman to win the World all-around title, and it is the USA’s first one-two finish in the all-around. Liukin and Memmel go one-two in both the uneven bars and balance beam. Alicia Sacramone is the floor exercise gold medalist, with Liukin claiming the silver. Sacramone also earns the vault bronze.
January 1, 2006 – FIG drops “10” scoring system
In January, the International Gymnastics Federation instituted the open-ended scoring system, eliminating the traditional 10.0 system.
June 14, 2006 – Brunson, Rodrigues capture Acro World bronze
At the World Championships in Coimbra, Portugal, Clare Brunson and Michael Rodrigues won the mixed pair bronze medal.
October 13, 2006 – USA garners six World medals
In Aarhus, Denmark, the U.S. women win four silver and one bronze at the World Championships. The team of Jana Bieger, Alicia Sacramone, Nastia Liukin, Natasha Kelley, Chellsie Memmel, Ashley Priess, and Jacquelyn Johnson (alternate) claim the silver team medal. Bieger is second in the all-around and the floor exercise. Silver medals also go to Sacramone for vault and Liukin for bars. Alexander Artemev is the pommel horse bronze medalist.
September 1, 2007 – U.S. women win World team title
The U.S. women win the country’s second-ever team gold medal at the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, and the first outside of the USA. The U.S. women won seven medals, including Shawn Johnson’s all-around and floor exercise gold medals. Nastia Liukin won the balance beam title and the uneven bars silver. Alicia Sacramone earns the floor silver and vault bronze medals. The members of the team are Ivana Hong, Johnson, Liukin, Samantha Peszek, Sacramone, and Shayla Worley. Bridget Sloan is the alternate.
October 31, 2007 – USA takes five medals at World T&T Championships
At the World Trampoline and Tumbling Championships in Quebec City, Que., Canada, the USA wins five medals, including the women’s tumbling team gold medal. The women’s tumbling team members are Yuliya Hall, Susannah Johnson, Leanne Seitzinger, and Kaitlin Tortorich. The other medals are women’s double mini-trampoline bronze, Kaci Barry; men’s double-mini bronze, Kalon Ludvigson; men’s double-mini team silver (Ludvigson, Andrew Muzzarelli, Stephen Raymond, Josh Vance); and women’s double-mini team bronze (Barry, Aubree Balkan, and Sarah Prosen).
August 8, 2008 – USA brings home 10 Olympic medals, with first-ever 1-2 finish in AA
In Beijing, the USA wins 10 Olympic medals. For the first time ever, the USA’s Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson go one-two in the all-around. Liukin also takes silver medals in both the uneven bars and balance beam, as well as the floor bronze. Johnson’s gold medal comes on the balance beam, with a silver on floor. Jonathan Horton is the silver medalist on the horizontal bar. The women’s team wins the silver medal: Johnson, Liukin, Chellsie Memmel, Samantha Peszek, Alicia Sacramone, and Bridget Sloan. The U.S. men (Alexander Artemev, Raj Bhavsar, Joey Hagerty, Horton, Justin Spring, and Kevin Tan) finish third in the team competition. The alternates are men — David Durante; and women — Jana Bieger, Ivana Hong, and Corrie Lothrop. Morgan and Paul Hamm withdrew from the men’s team due to injury. For the first time, the USA qualifies for both men’s and women’s trampoline.
October 10, 2008 – Allen, Rodrigues earn World Acro silver
Kristin Allen and Michael Rodrigues won the mixed pair silver medal at the World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
July 15, 2009 – USA participates in first World Gym for Life Challenge
USA Gymnastics participates in the first edition of the World Gym for Life Challenge in Dornbirn, Austria.
July 20, 2009 – Allen, Rodrigues win USA’s first acro World Games gold medal
At the World Games in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Kristin Allen and Michael Rodrigues won the USA’s first acro gold medal at a World Games when they took top honors in the mixed pair competition. The USA claims two medals in women’s double mini-trampoline, with Sarah Prosen in second and Aubree Balkan in third.
August 30, 2009 – Dooley, Gluckstein win first TT World Cup golds
Logan Dooley and Steven Gluckstein win the USA’s first men’s synchronized trampoline World Cup gold medal at the World Cup in Ostend, Belgium. Dooley went on to win the first men’s individual trampoline title at a World Cup.
October 13, 2009 – Sloan, Williams capture World titles
Bridget Sloan wins the all-around title at the World Championships in London, where Kayla Williams captures the U.S. women’s first vault gold. Rebecca Bross is second in the all-around and also took the uneven bars bronze. Ivana Hong is the balance beam bronze medalist.
November 11, 2009 – USA claims three medals at T&T Worlds
At the World Championships in St. Petersburg, Russia, the USA wins three medals: women’s tumbling team silver — Susannah Johnson, Amy McDonald, Leanne Seitzinger, and Kaitlin Tortorich; men’s double mini-trampoline team bronze — Anthony Doles, Kalon Ludvigson, Stephen Raymond, and Austin White; and women’s double-mini team bronze — Aubree Balkan, Sarah Gandy, and Sarah Prosen.
March 1, 2010 – Rhythmic/TT/Acro training facility added at USA Gymnastics National Team Training Center
A training facility for rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics and trampoline/tumbling is added at the Karolyi Ranch, which becomes the USA Gymnastics National Team Training Center.
July 16, 2010 – USA wins Acro’s World mixed pair gold
Kristin Allen and Michael Rodrigues won the mixed pair gold medal at the World Championships in Wroclaw, Poland.
October 13, 2010 – Dooley, Gluckstein win USA’s first World Cup Series gold
Logan Dooley and Steven Gluckstein won the International Gymnastics Federation’s World Cup Series title for synchronized trampoline, a first for the United States. They take top honors for the seven-event series based on their one silver- and two gold-medal finishes. The twosome clinched the Series crown by winning the synchronized trampoline title at the World Cup in Albacete, Spain, and the Nissen Cup in Davos, Switzerland, as well as finishing second at the World Cup in Loule, Portugal.
October 16, 2010 – USA garners six World medals
The USA takes six medals at the World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Alicia Sacramone wins the vault gold medal. The women’s team of Rebecca Bross, Mackenzie Caquatto, Mattie Larson, Alexandra Raisman, Sacramone, and Bridget Sloan win the team silver medal. Bross is the silver medalist on the balance beam and the bronze medalist in the all-around and uneven bars. Jonathan Horton earns the men’s all-around bronze. The women’s alternate is Chelsea Davis.
November 11, 2010 – White wins World DMT silver
Austin White wins the double mini-trampoline silver medal at the World Championships in Metz, France.
January 26, 2011 – USA Gymnastics National Team Training Center at Karolyi Ranch is named ‘U.S. Olympic Training Site’
The USA Gymnastics National Team Training Center at the Karolyi Ranch is officially designated as a “U.S. Olympic Training Site.”
October 7, 2011 – USA wins women’s World team title, seven medals total
The USA wins seven medals at the 2011 World Championships in Tokyo, four gold and three bronze. The women’s team of Gabrielle Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, Alicia Sacramone, Sabrina Vega, and Jordyn Wieber win the team gold, the USA’s third women’s team title. Wieber also wins the all-around, along with the beam bronze medal. Maroney claims the vault gold medal, and Raisman is the floor bronze medalist. Danell Leyva captures the parallel bars gold medal. The men’s team of Jake Dalton, Jonathan Horton, Steven Legendre, Leyva, Alex Naddour, and John Orozco claim the team bronze. The alternates are Anna Li and Chris Brooks.
October 8, 2011 – Ludvigson wins World Cup Series tumbling title
After capturing the gold medal at the World Cup in Germany, silver medals at World Cup events in Bulgaria and China, and a bronze medal in Russia, Kalon Ludvigson takes home the silver medal in men’s tumbling at the Odense World Cup to secure the first-ever tumbling World Cup series title by an American.
November 17, 2011 – USA takes three medals at T&T Worlds
Austin White wins the double mini-trampoline silver medal at the World Championships in Birmingham, England. The USA also wins two team double-mini bronze medals: women — Erin Jauch, Kristle Lowell, Marina Moskalenko, Erica Owen; and men — Trey Katz, Kalon Ludvigson, Ryan Roberts, and White.
April 15, 2012 – USA hosts World Acrobatic Gymnastics Championships
USA Gymnastics hosts the International Gymnastics Federation’s World Acrobatic Gymnastics Championships and the World Acrobatic Gymnastics Age Group Competition in Orlando, Fla. It is the first time the event was held outside of Europe since its inception.
July 11, 2012 – USA earns spot in Gala
The USA earns a spot in the Gala Performance at the World Gym for Life Challenge in Cape Town, South Africa.
July 27, 2012 – U.S. women win Olympic team gold, plus all-around and floor golds
At the Olympic Games in London, the U.S. women win the country’s second Olympic team gold medal. Dubbed the Fierce Five, the team members are Gabrielle Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Alexandra Raisman, Kyla Ross, and Jordyn Wieber. Douglas becomes the fourth U.S. woman to win the all-around title and the first African-American to do so. Raisman captures the U.S. women’s first-ever floor exercise gold and the balance beam bronze medal. Maroney is the vault silver medalist. Danell Leyva is the men’s all-around bronze medalist. In trampoline, Savannah Vinsant is the first U.S. athlete to advance to the finals. It is the first time the USA has qualified for men’s and women’s gymnastics, trampoline, and rhythmic gymnastics.
October 26, 2012 – Vidmar and Butcher elected to FIG posts
Steve Butcher is the first American elected president of the Men’s Technical Committee at the FIG Congress in Cancun, Mexico. Peter Vidmar is elected to the International Gymnastics Federation’s Executive Committee; Caroline Hunt is re-elected to the Rhythmic Technical Committee; and Tonya Case returns to the Acrobatic Gymnastics Technical Committee. Ron Froehlich is re-elected to his fifth term as auditor.
August 1, 2013 – USA celebrates golden anniversary
