An early promoter of women's sports, France's Berthe Villancher helped lay the foundation for today's women's gymnastics. Born in Besançon in 1908, Villancher became an international gymnastics judge in 1945. She served as Secretary of the International Gymnastics Federation's Women's Technical Committee from 1948 to 1956, and as President of the Committee from 1956 to1972. Villancher was instrumental in the development of the independent sport of rhythmic gymnastics, descended from the group apparatus event that had been part of women's gymnastics up until the 1956 Olympic Games.

Villancher, who passed away in 2000 at age 92, was honored by the International Olympic Committee for her achievements to promote sports for women.

For her life's work on behalf of our sport, she is inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, in the category of Lifetime Achievement.