INDIANAPOLIS (July 16, 2026) – Following a storied athletic career and a lifetime of service in the military and law enforcement, USA Gymnastics trampoline and tumbling legend and Hall of Famer Karl Heger has been selected as the winner of the 2026 Robert Miller Spirit of the Flame Award. He will be honored at the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, August 8 in Phoenix, Arizona.

A dominant athlete of his era, Heger collected numerous World and national titles spanning from the 1980s into the 2000s. He claimed 17 U.S. double mini and trampoline titles; was a two-time World double mini team champion (1988, ’99); won synchronized trampoline gold and double mini silver at The World Games in 1981; and was an 11-time U.S. National Team member.

Renamed in 2011 in honor of gymnast and Staff Sargent Robert Miller, who received the Medal of Honor after saving the lives of fellow soldiers while serving in Afghanistan, the 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.

“As someone from the Trampoline & Tumbling discipline, I was familiar with Karl Heger’s accomplishments as both an athlete and a highly respected FIG Brevet judge,” Athletes’ Council Chair Drew Collins said. “However, it wasn’t until the Athletes’ Council reviewed his nomination for this year’s Robert Miller Spirit of the Flame Award that we fully understood the breadth and depth of his impact on the gymnastics community. His story resonated deeply with Council members, reflecting a lifetime of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to both the sport of gymnastics and his country.”

Heger balanced his gymnastics exploits with his law-enforcement career, serving as a military officer in the FBI while also competing from 1987-2001. He served the country as a U.S. Army officer during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, being awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service.

After leaving the Army, Heger continued his career at the FBI as a Chicago FBI SWAT Team officer, Bravo SWAT Team Leader, Operation Vice Grip case agent, and an FBI officer trainer. He later received the FBI Medal for Meritorious Achievement in 2020.

“It is a great honor to be selected by the USAG Athlete Council to be the recipient of the 2026 Robert Miller Spirit of the Flame Award,” said Heger. “This award is so meaningful to me because it not only recognizes my athletic accomplishments but recognizes my service and leadership to this country as an officer in the United States Army, a Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation and a Law Enforcement Officer.”

Heger was inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2007 and served on the USAG Athletes’ Council for 10 years, also working as an FIG Brevet Judge from 2002-2024. He now spends his time as a part-time sergeant with the Wisconsin State Fair Park Police and continues to train law enforcement officers in Milwaukee.

“I have been blessed in my career to have the opportunity to stand on top of the podium with my team and hear our national anthem at the World Trampoline Championships, lead an outstanding platoon in Desert Storm, as well as lead the Chicago FBI Bravo SWAT Team, one of the finest FBI SWAT Teams in the country,” Heger stated. “Receiving an award named after former gymnast and Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Robert Miller who sacrificed his life to save his Special Forces A Team, is truly humbling.”

For more information on the Robert Miller Spirit of the Flame Award, please visit usagym.org/halloffame.