Founded in 1987, the Spirit of the Flame Award was officially renamed in 2011 after fellow gymnast and Staff Sargent Robert Miller. In 2010, Robert Miller was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic efforts that saved the lives of fellow soldiers during the War in Afghanistan.

The Robert Miller* Spirit of the Flame Award is given by the USA Gymnastics Athletes’ Council to recognize individuals in the sport of gymnastics who have demonstrated leadership, strength and determination in an extraordinary way. It also serves to celebrate both an individual’s personal, as well as, athletic achievements.