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Walter Lienert

Class of 1974· Disciplines(s): Women's Artistic· Inducted as: Coach Contributor

Walter Lienert was a graduate-turned-teacher at Indiana University’s Normal College who went on to become an innovator of competitive gymnastics.

After coaching and instructing athletes to the Olympics and various NCAA juggernauts, Lienert wrote The Modern Girl Gymnast on the Uneven Parallel Bars because he felt better instruction of the event needed to be available. As a forefather of Indiana gymnastics, Lienert’s key contribution to the state came when he helped to establish the Indiana State Gymnastics Championships.

Following many successful years under Lienert, the state took over the competition and granted funding. Lienert also operated a gym facility and classrooms on his 26-acre farm in Indianapolis, which Indiana University’s Normal College hosts.