Profile
Bart began his career in a local YMCA program, and won his first Junior National title by the age of 14. Three years later he became the youngest gymnast ever to win the U.S. Gymnastics All Around Championship, and one year later he qualified for his first of three Olympic Games.

"Standing on the podium at the Olympic Games was an experience that has come to define my life. My teammates and I had all come from very different backgrounds but, as a team, we accomplished something that none of us could have done alone."

Just seven months before that day, Bart's world was shattered when his left biceps muscle ripped loose from his shoulder. He had six months until the Olympic trials.

"When it happened, I knew instantly that something was terribly wrong. Sure, I was scared, but I remember thinking that my Olympic experience was going to be that much sweeter because I would make a terrific comeback. It never occurred to me that I might not make it."

At the Olympic trials, Bart proved that positive thinking pays off when he won the last spot on the team.

"Our performances in Los Angeles were spectacular -- every man pulling his weight, turning in solid routine after routine. By the time the team competition was over, the six of us had combined to become the best gymnastics team at the Games and America's first team champions since the 1904 Games in St. Louis. After so many years of anticipation, I couldn't hold back the tears. It's hard to smile and cry at the same time, but I did it."

The Olympic Spirit in YOU!
Bart Conner had all the qualities an athlete needs to be a winner, with one extra -- selflessness. Do the following exercise to help better understand teamwork.

• Picture yourself as a team player. What does it look like?
• What do you do when someone on your team does a good job?
• What do you do if you or someone on the team needs help?
• Do you get mad if your teammate makes a mistake? What should you do?
• How do you feel when your team wins?

More Athletes

Ann Meyers Drysdale Bart Conner Billy Mills Baron Pierre de Coubertin Gail Devers Greg Barton Henry Marsh John Naber

Karch Kiraly Mary Lou Retton Matt Ghaffari Milt Campbell Nadia Comaneci Nancy Hogshead Paul Gonzales Terry Schroeder

For more great stories about Olympians, ask your librarian for books about Olympic spirit, including Awaken the Olympian Within complied by John Naber, and The Olympic Dream and Spirit, Vol. 1, 2, and 3, with Bob Schaller.