Book
The Making of a Life Champion
From my first lesson in gymnastics at the YMCA gym in 1969 I knew I wanted to be a gymnast. This memoir is the story of how gymnastics shaped my life from the trials and tribulations as a competitive gymnast, becoming a coach and opening my own gym. From all of these experiences, which includes mentors and friendships, I learned the true meaning of the word champion.
About the Book
During the 1970’s the Chicagoland area suburbs were regarded as the premier area for boy’s gymnastics in the country. This memoir chronicles my journey in gymnastics starting from a summer gymnastics class at the Northwest Suburban YMCA, takes you through winning the Illinois state title, competitive years at Berkeley, and then transitioning my knowledge into coaching and becoming a successful gymnastics business owner. The book explores the rivalry with my best friend, my first competitive team, trips to the former Soviet Union, and the special friendships I made with gymnasts such as the 1988 Olympic Champion Elena Shushunova. Along the way Ron becomes inspired by his athletic and scholastic mentors, learns the value of support of friends and defines what it means to be a true champion-a life champion.
About the Author
I started gymnastics at seven years old. It became my escape when things were difficult at home. I worked hard through high school and won the Illinois State title my senior year in 1980. That moment meant a lot after all the struggles. Then I competed at UC Berkeley on a scholarship, where I kept learning more about the sport and about myself.
Later I got into coaching and wanted to see how the very best trained. So I traveled to the Soviet Union a couple of times. I trained with their coaches, became friends with gymnasts like Elena Shushunova, and those experiences changed how I approached the sport. In 1989 I finally opened Sunbelt Gymnastics Academy in Texas. I wanted a place where kids could learn skills, have fun, and build real friendships without all the heavy pressure.
After all these years I can honestly say gymnastics gave me way more than any trophy. It taught me resilience, the value of balance, and how important good people are in your life. I still run the gym today and try to pass those lessons on to my students. To me being a Life Champion is about how you live every day, not just what you win in competition. I’m grateful for the entire journey.
