Ever wondered who spins and flips above the rest in gymnastics?
From breathtaking vaults to flawless routines, these 15 gymnastics gurus have leapt into history.
Are you ready to flip through the pages of perfection? Join us as we vault into the stories of gymnastic royalty.
Best Gymnasts:
- Simone Biles
- Nadia Comăneci
- Larisa Latynina
- Olga Korbut
- Svetlana Khorkina
- Vitaly Scherbo
- Nellie Kim
- Vera Čáslavská
- Kōhei Uchimura
- Mary Lou Retton
- Aliya Mustafina
- Shawn Johnson
- Gabby Douglas
- Nikolai Andrianov
- Catalina Ponor
Table of Contents
#1 Simone Biles
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: March 14, 1997
- 🤸♀️ Position/Role: Artistic Gymnast
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 4× Olympic gold medalist, 19× World Champion, 7× National Champion
Referred to as the “G.O.A.T” (Greatest of All Time) for her unparalleled dominance in gymnastics, Simone Biles is most famous for her incredible power, precise technique, and difficulty of her routines, including moves named after her, such as the “Biles” on floor and vault. Despite facing challenges, including speaking out about her experience as a victim of sexual abuse, Biles has become a symbol of resilience and advocacy.
Her influence extends beyond gymnastics as she inspires athletes across sports to prioritize mental health and personal well-being, a stand she took by withdrawing from events to focus on her mental health during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Outside of gymnastics, Biles is involved with philanthropy, particularly focusing on children’s charities and mental health initiatives, while also working on her autobiography and other projects.
#2 Nadia Comăneci
- 🌍 Nationality: Romanian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: November 12, 1961
- 🤸♀️ Position/Role: Artistic Gymnast
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 5× Olympic gold medalist, First gymnast to score a perfect 10 at the Olympics (1976)
Nadia Comăneci is globally recognized as the “Queen of Gymnastics” after her unprecedented perfect 10 score in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, a feat she repeated multiple times thereafter. Known for her grace, precision, and consistency, Comăneci’s contributions to gymnastics live on in the routines and scoring systems that reflect her impact.
Her escape from Romania in 1989 became a significant chapter in her life story, underscoring her yearning for freedom. Post-retirement, she has played a critical role in supporting aspiring gymnasts and various charities. Nadia’s legacy endures through the Nadia Comăneci Foundation and her active engagement in promoting gymnastics around the world.
#3 Larisa Latynina
- 🌍 Nationality: Soviet (now Ukrainian)
- 🎂 Date of Birth: December 27, 1934
- 🤸♀️ Position/Role: Artistic Gymnast
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 18 Olympic medals, 9× Olympic gold medalist, 14 World Championship titles
Larisa Latynina, the “Soviet Virtuoso,” remains one of the most decorated Olympic athletes, known for her exceptional elegance and artistry. Her record of 18 Olympic medals stood for 48 years. With a career that includes an impressive tally of World and European Championships, Latynina set a high bar in gymnastics competition.
Despite competing in an era with less global visibility, her achievements propelled the sport forward, and she remains an influential figure in its history. After retiring, Latynina coached young gymnasts and remained connected to the Olympic movement, enhancing the prominence of gymnastics as a sport worldwide.
#4 Olga Korbut
- 🌍 Nationality: Belarusian (formerly Soviet)
- 🎂 Date of Birth: May 16, 1955
- 🤸♀️ Position/Role: Artistic Gymnast
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 4× Olympic gold medalist, 2× World Champion, Known for the “Korbut Flip” on the uneven bars
Olga Korbut, nicknamed “The Sparrow from Minsk,” captured hearts worldwide with her vivacious personality and innovative skills, including the now-banned “Korbut Flip” on the uneven bars. Her performances at the 1972 Munich Olympics revolutionized the sport, introducing acrobatics into artistic gymnastics.
Korbut faced scrutiny for personal issues and financial struggles post-retirement, but has tirelessly worked to coach and mentor young gymnasts. Her contributions to the sport have encouraged generations of gymnasts to push the boundaries of what is possible on the international stage.
#5 Svetlana Khorkina
- 🌍 Nationality: Russian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: January 19, 1979
- 🤸♀️ Position/Role: Artistic Gymnast
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 2× Olympic gold medalist, 7× World Champion, known for multiple skills named after her on uneven bars
Svetlana Khorkina, often referred to as the “Diva,” was renowned for her creative and original performances, especially on the uneven bars, where she has several skills named after her. Atypical in height for a gymnast, Khorkina turned her uniqueness into an advantage with her distinct artistic style and captivating routines.
Her competitive spirit sometimes courted controversy, but Khorkina’s outspoken nature and success brought attention to the sport. Post-gymnastics, she has pursued a career in politics, using her fame to impact Russian sports and social issues.
#6 Vitaly Scherbo
- 🌍 Nationality: Belarusian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: January 13, 1972
- 🤸♀️ Position/Role: Artistic Gymnast
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 6× Olympic gold medalist (1992), 12× World Champion
Vitaly Scherbo is known as one of the greatest male gymnasts, with an astonishing six gold medals won at a single Olympic Games (1992, Barcelona). His prolific career is remembered for his versatility across all apparatuses and his ability to deliver under pressure.
Scherbo’s tenacity was truly tested in his personal life when his son suffered a severe burn injury, but he bounced back with characteristic resilience. Outside of competition, Scherbo has given back to the sport through coaching, nurturing future champions with his gym in Las Vegas.
#7 Nellie Kim
- 🌍 Nationality: Soviet (now Belarusian)
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 29, 1957
- 🤸♀️ Position/Role: Artistic Gymnast
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 5× Olympic gold medalist, 3× World Champion
Nellie Kim, celebrated for her expressive performances and pioneering tumbling passes, played a significant role in shaping women’s artistic gymnastics, with the “Kim Gwang Suk” (full-twisting Tsukahara) vault named in her honor. She was known for her combination of athleticism and artistry, symbolizing the sport’s evolution.
After retiring from competitive gymnastics, Kim has continued to influence the sport as an international judge and FIG official. Her contributions to refining the Code of Points and judging criteria have been vital to the sport’s integrity and progression.
#8 Vera Čáslavská
- 🌍 Nationality: Czech
- 🎂 Date of Birth: May 3, 1942 (Passed away on August 30, 2016)
- 🤸♀️ Position/Role: Artistic Gymnast
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 7× Olympic gold medalist, 4× World Champion, Only gymnast to win the Olympic all-around title twice in a row (1964, 1968)
Vera Čáslavská’s gymnastics career was marked by her enchanting blend of grace and power, making her one of the sport’s icons. A significant figure during a tumultuous time for her nation, her silent protest against the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia during her medal ceremonies at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics singled her out as a courageous dissident.
For her boldness, Čáslavská faced political ostracism at home, but she never wavered in her beliefs. A hero to many, she eventually became a symbol of peaceful resistance and served in various sports administration roles, promoting physical fitness and gymnastics after overcoming personal and political obstacles. Her legacy of elegance and advocacy for freedom and fair play transcends her gymnastics achievements.
#9 Kōhei Uchimura
- 🌍 Nationality: Japanese
- 🎂 Date of Birth: January 3, 1989
- 🤸♀️ Position/Role: Artistic Gymnast
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 2× Olympic All-Around Champion, 6× World All-Around Champion, 21 World Championship medals
Kōhei Uchimura, or “King Kohei,” is renowned for his remarkable consistency and all-around gymnastic mastery, with an unmatched streak in the all-around category at world championships. His fluid high bar routines and strong performances on the parallel bars exemplify his elegance and strength.
Uchimura’s career saw few controversies, and he is known for overcoming injuries to maintain his elite status, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. His influence has inspired a generation of gymnasts in Japan and around the world, and he remains a figure of humility and excellence in sporting culture.
#10 Mary Lou Retton
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: January 24, 1968
- 🤸♀️ Position/Role: Artistic Gymnast
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 1984 Olympic All-Around Champion, 2× 1984 Olympic Silver Medalist, 1984 Olympic Bronze Medalist, First American woman to win the all-around Olympic gold medal
Mary Lou Retton, known for her powerful and dynamic gymnastics, secured her place in history with her vault performance at the 1984 Olympics, which earned her the all-around title. Her explosive athleticism and crowd-pleasing routines set new standards in women’s gymnastics.
Following her competitive career, Retton became a cultural icon, celebrated for her Olympic success and charisma. She used her fame to encourage young athletes, becoming a prominent motivational speaker and gymnastics advocate. Her impact on gymnastics persists, making her a beloved figure in American sports history.
#11 Aliya Mustafina
- 🌍 Nationality: Russian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: September 30, 1994
- 🤸♀️ Position/Role: Artistic Gymnast
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 2012 Olympic All-Around Bronze Medalist, 4× 2012 and 2016 Olympic Medalist (including 2 Gold), 2010 World All-Around Champion
Aliya Mustafina is admired for her artistry, resilience, and technical prowess on the uneven bars, which is often claimed as her signature apparatus. She has shown remarkable determination throughout her career, including a comeback from a severe knee injury to claim Olympic glory.
Mustafina’s accomplishments showcase her as a role model for overcoming adversity, and she remains influential in Russian gymnastics. While managing a rigorous training schedule, she has also embraced motherhood, which has added another dimension to her personal and professional life that many admirers find inspiring.
#12 Shawn Johnson
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: January 19, 1992
- 🤸♀️ Position/Role: Artistic Gymnast
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 2008 Olympic All-Around Silver Medalist, 2008 Balance Beam Olympic Champion, 3× 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist, 2007 World All-Around Champion
Shawn Johnson captured hearts with her explosive tumbling and balance beam expertise. She was known for her power and difficulty in her routines, as well as her beaming smile and charismatic personality during competition.
Johnson has been frank about the pressures of elite gymnastics, and her decision to retire in 2012 due to injury was a testament to her self-awareness and prioritization of health. Since retiring, she has become an advocate for healthy body-image and a beloved motivational figure, while also enjoying success as a television personality and entrepreneur.
#13 Gabby Douglas
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: December 31, 1995
- 🤸♀️ Position/Role: Artistic Gymnast
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 2× Olympic All-Around Champion (2012, 2016), 2012 Uneven Bars Olympic Gold Medalist, 2015 World All-Around Silver Medalist
Gabby Douglas, nicknamed the “Flying Squirrel,” is widely known for her extraordinary uneven bars skills and high-flying release moves. She made history at the London Olympics as the first African American to become the Olympic individual all-around champion.
Douglas faced and overcame significant challenges, including racial barriers and cyberbullying. Her success and perseverance turned her into a powerful symbol of determination and inspired countless young gymnasts. Outside of gymnastics, Douglas has made her mark with a biographical film and a Barbie doll in her likeness, contributing to her lasting legacy as a pioneer in the sport.
#14 Nikolai Andrianov
- 🌍 Nationality: Russian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: October 14, 1952
- 🤸♀️ Position/Role: Artistic Gymnast
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 15 Olympic medals (including 7 Gold), 12 World Championship medals, 4× European Champion
Nikolai Andrianov, a stalwart of Soviet gymnastics, is renowned for his dominance in the 1970s, particularly in the floor exercise and vault. Bearing a mixture of strength, speed, and precision, Andrianov was known for his all-around abilities and comprehensive skills set.
Remembered for his contribution to the sport, his achievements made him one of the most decorated male gymnasts of his time. Following retirement, Andrianov turned his attention to coaching, where he continued to impact gymnastics, fostering new talent and sharing his extensive knowledge until his passing in 2011.
#15 Catalina Ponor
- 🌍 Nationality: Romanian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: August 20, 1987
- 🤸♀️ Position/Role: Artistic Gymnast
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 3× Olympic Gold Medalist (2004), 5× European Champion, 2004 Olympic Team Champions
Catalina Ponor is praised for her balance beam and floor exercise prowess, where her artistry and powerful acrobatic skills stand out. She played a crucial role in maintaining the legacy of Romanian women’s gymnastics, exemplified by her multiple Olympic triumphs.
Through a career marked by comebacks, Ponor has demonstrated remarkable tenacity. Her elegance and competitive spirit have left a significant mark on the sport. Off the field, her dedication to promoting gymnastics and mentoring young athletes continues to show her commitment to the future of the sport in Romania and beyond.
FAQ
Who is the best Gymnastics player of all time?
Simone Biles is considered the best gymnastics player of all time. Here’s a link to our article on why we think Simone Biles is the best gymnastics player of all time, highlighting her unmatched accomplishments and extraordinary skills.
Who are the top 10 greatest Gymnastics players of all time?
Simone Biles, Nadia Comăneci, Larisa Latynina, Olga Korbut, Svetlana Khorkina, Vitaly Scherbo, Nellie Kim, Vera Čáslavská, Kōhei Uchimura, and Mary Lou Retton are the top 10 greatest gymnastics players of all time. These athletes have left indelible marks on the sport with their historical performances and medal hauls.
Who is the most famous female Gymnastics player?
Nadia Comăneci is the most famous female gymnastics player. She captured the world’s attention with her perfect scores at the Olympics and her lasting legacy in the sport of gymnastics.
