Induction Ceremony 2023
OKLAHOMA CITY – Three international gymnastics legends were honored at the 26th annual International Gymnastics Hall of Fame (IGHOF) Induction ceremony on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Petroleum Club in Oklahoma City.
The IGHOF Class of 2023:
- Mitch Gaylord (USA): 4-time Olympic Medalist in 1984 (1 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze)
- Koji Gushiken (JPN): 5-time Olympic Medalist in 1984, including Olympic All-Around Gold Medal
- Oksana Omelianchik (UKR): 4-time World Championship Medalist, including the 1985 World All-Around Gold Medal
"The IGHOF is especially proud to honor these gymnastics icons whose enduring contributions to the sport are felt to this day," said Bart Conner, Chairman of the IGHOF board.
Mitch Gaylord (USA), who invented two daring release moves on the high bar, went on to become a Hollywood actor and stunt man, is currently a home builder in Texas. Olympic All-Around Champion, Koji Gushiken (JPN), is currently a highly respected coach of Japan's renowned national men's team. Best known for her innovative and expressive floor exercise routines, Oksana Omelianchik (UKR), is still deeply involved in gymnastics as a coach, judge, and choreographer.
Over the past 25 years, 133 of gymnastics' greatest stars and contributors, representing 22 countries have been formally honored by the Hall of Fame. The IGHOF is home to gymnastics legends such as Nadia Comaneci (ROM), Mary Lou Retton (USA), Sawao Kato (JPN) and Fabian Hambuchen (GER), and Kurt Thomas (USA).
Founded in 1987, in Oceanside, California, the IGHOF relocated to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1996, where it has developed a solid foundation of private support. The IGHOF exhibit is located inside Science Museum Oklahoma.
"The mission of the IGHOF is to celebrate the legacies of these gymnastics legends and amplify their stories to inspire future generations," said Conner.
For more information about the IGHOF and how you can be a donor, visit www.ighof.com.
For media requests, contact Allison Keiffer or call 405-364-5344.
Endorsed by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique based in Lausanne, Switzerland, The International Gymnastics Hall of Fame is a dynamic, forward-looking non-profit organization that celebrates the athletic and artistic excellence of gymnastics' most accomplished athletes and legends, and connects them with future generations of young gymnasts and fans.