Induction Ceremony 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY – Four international gymnastics legends will be honored at the 29th annual International Gymnastics Hall of Fame (IGHOF) Induction ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Petroleum Club in Oklahoma City. The board of directors of the IGHOF is proud to announce the IGHOF Inductees for the Class of 2026.
2026 IGHOF Inductees:
- Cristina Bontas (ROM):2-time Olympic medalist in 1992, and 6-time world medalist including World Champion on Floor Exercise in 1991.
- Yuri Chechi (ITA): Known as the “Lord of the Rings,” 1996 Olympic Champion and 2004 Olympic Bronze medalist on the Rings, and 5-time World Champion.
- Vanessa Ferrari (ITA): Most decorated Italian gymnast of all-time, 2020 Olympic Silver Medalist on Floor Exercise, and 5-time world medalist, including the 2006 World All-Around Gold.
- Yang Wei (CHN):5-time Olympic medalist, including the 2008 Olympic All-Around Gold, and 10-timeWorld medalist, including the 2006 World All-Around Gold.
Over the past 28 years, 141 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), 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. The Class of 2026 represents some of the most iconic gymnasts in history, and it will be an honor to celebrate their incredible accomplishments, as well as their continuing contributions to gymnastics,” said Bart Conner, 1997 IGHOF Inductee, and Chairman of the Board.
For tickets ($250 each) to the IGHOF dinner ceremony to be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Petroleum Club in Oklahoma City, please contact Lynn Landis at 405-364-5344.
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.