U.S. Men’s Junior Gymnast Collapses at U.S. Olympic Training Center

USA Gymnastics is very sad to report that Ricky Deci (Stafford, Texas), 13, a member of the USA Gymnastics men’s junior national team (12-13 age group), collapsed and died October 11, at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

October 12, 2001

USA Gymnastics is very sad to report that Ricky Deci (Stafford, Texas), 13, a member of the USA Gymnastics men’s junior national team (12-13 age group), collapsed and died October 11, at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., during a pommel horse routine at the USA Gymnastics Junior National Team Training Camp.

"Ricky was a talented and promising young athlete who was full of life," said Dennis McIntyre, Junior National Team Coordinator for USA Gymnastics. "He was a joy to be around."

"This is a real tragedy and loss for the USA Gymnastics family," said Bob Colarossi, President of USA Gymnastics. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky’s family and friends at this difficult time."

CPR was administered and Deci was taken to Memorial Hospital where further measures failed to revive him. He was pronounced dead around 8:00 p.m.

Deci was ranked second on the men’s junior national team in the 12-13 age division. He trained with Hideo Mizoguchi at Champions Gymnastics in Houston. His parents are Richard and Robin Deci of Stafford, Texas.