Kerri Strug Biography

1977-

American gymnast

Most notable sports figures cannot—and would not want to—claim that their fame is derived from a single moment. This, however, is the case with Kerri Strug. Before the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, Strug had earned a reputation as a solid performer in the gymnastics world. The shy, reserved Strug, however, was never a household name like some of her other, flashier teammates, such as Shannon Miller and Dominique Dawes. In one moment on July 23, 1996, this all changed when Strug vaulted into the world's consciousness—literally. As the final performer during the final event of the women's team competition, Strug completed her second and final vault, in obvious pain on a sprained ankle, to secure the first ever Olympic gold medal for the United States women's gymnastics team. This courageous and heroic moment was captured in countless media images and broadcast around the world, and secured her own place in Olympic and sports history.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Address: Kerri Strug Fan Club, 2801 N. Camino Principal, Tucson, AZ 85715.

SELECTED WRITINGS BY STRUG:

(With Greg Brown) Heart of Gold, Taylor, 1996.

(With John P. Lopez) Landing on My Feet: A Diary of Dreams, Andrews McMeel, 1997.

Girls Know Best, MJF Books, 1999.