Spirit of the Flame Award • USA Gymnastics

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.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2023 Spirit of the Flame Award.

Nominations forms must be received by Tuesday, June 20, for consideration.

Please reference the nomination form for the criterion for selection.

Robert Miller Spirit of Flame Award Recipients

1987 – Dale Kephart
1988 – Gomez Family
1989 – Charlie & Eleanor DuBois
1990 – Maria Bakos
1991 – Glen Sundby
1992 – George Nissen
1993 – Jack Rockwell
1994 – Roe Kruetzer
1995 – Stormy Eaton
1996 – Abie Grossfeld
1997 – Bill Roethzheim
1998 – Muriel Grossfeld
1999 – Brian Babcock
2000 – Tracey Callahan Molnar
2001 – Harry Bjerke
2002 – Kathy Kelly
2011 – Robert Miller
2012 – Andrew Donnellan
2014 – Andrew Avelino
2015 – Daren Renna
2016 – Kate Foster
2022 – Kalon Ludvigson