Wendy Hilliard (born December 11) in Detroit, Michigan, is a United States Gymnastics Hall of Fame Member,[1] and was the first African-American rhythmic gymnast to compete as a member of the U.S. national team.[2] Wendy was the first African-American to represent the United States in rhythmic gymnastics in international competition, including three World Championships (1979, 1981, and 1983).[3] Wendy coached 1996 Olympian Aliane Baquerot Wilson.[4] She served as the first African-American President of the Women’s Sports Foundation from 1995 to 1996, and was also an Olympic sportscaster and Broadway performer. She was also the Director of Sports for the New York City 2012 Olympic Bid.[5]

In 1996, Wendy founded the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation, which has provided free and low-cost gymnastics for over 15,000 urban youth in New York City.[6] In the fall of 2016, she expanded her gymnastics programs to Detroit,[7] which serves over 200 youth every week through its after school classes.[8]

References

  1. ↑ "USA Gymnastics".
  2. ↑ Hilliard, Wendy. "Why we need Simone, Gabby and Laurie". CNN. Retrieved 2017-01-03.
  3. ↑ Higa, Liriel. "Before Simone Biles, These Women Broke Barriers". On the Ground. Retrieved 2017-01-03.
  4. ↑ "USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame".
  5. ↑ "NYC still benefitted from 2012 Olympics bid". Newsday. Retrieved 2017-01-03.
  6. ↑ "Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation".
  7. ↑ "The healing power of sport: Native Detroiter to bring gymnastics to Detroit". The Michigan Chronicle. 2015-09-18. Retrieved 2017-01-03.
  8. ↑ "Expat Wendy Hilliard grows gymnastics foundation in Detroit".
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