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Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1782582427

Kerri Strug's iconic vault at the 1996 Summer Olympics cemented her place in history as the gymnast who helped the US women's team win its first-ever Olympic gold medal. ## Overview Kerri Strug is an American gymnast who rose to international fame for her incredible determination and perseverance. Born on March 19, 1977, in Tucson, Arizona, Strug began training at the age of 5 and quickly became one of the most promising young gymnasts in the country. Her impressive skills and unwavering dedication earned her a spot on the US women's gymnastics team for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Strug's Olympic journey was marked by both triumph and heartbreak. She had suffered a severe ankle injury in 1994, which forced her to undergo surgery and spend several months in rehabilitation. Despite this setback, Strug worked tirelessly to regain her strength and form, and her hard work paid off when she was selected for the Olympic team. ## History/Background The 1996 Summer Olympics were a pivotal moment in Strug's career, as she was part of the US women's gymnastics team that would go on to win its first-ever Olympic gold medal. The team, coached by Bela and Marta Karolyi, consisted of Strug, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Dominique Dawes, and Amy Chow. The team's performance was remarkable, with each gymnast contributing to their overall success. Strug's most memorable moment came during the team final, when she performed a vault that would become an iconic moment in sports history. With the team trailing by a fraction of a point, Strug knew that she had to nail her vault to secure the gold medal. Despite feeling intense pain in her injured ankle, Strug summoned every ounce of strength and determination to complete the vault, securing the gold medal for the US team. ## Key Information - **Career Highlights:** - 1996 Olympic gold medalist (team) - 1996 Olympic silver medalist (all-around) - 1994 World Championship silver medalist (team) - 1993 World Championship bronze medalist (vault) - **Awards and Recognition:** - 1996 US Olympic Committee's Sportsman of the Year - 1996 ESPY Award for Best Female Athlete - 1996 Sports Illustrated's Sportswoman of the Year - **Personal Life:** - Strug was born on March 19, 1977, in Tucson, Arizona - She married Sean Covey in 2000 and has three children ## Significance Kerri Strug's incredible comeback story serves as an inspiration to athletes and non-athletes alike. Her determination and perseverance in the face of adversity demonstrate the power of the human spirit. Strug's iconic vault at the 1996 Olympics will forever be etched in the memories of sports fans around the world, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of athletes. INFOBOX: - Name: Kerri Strug - Type: Gymnast - Date: March 19, 1977 - Location: Tucson, Arizona - Known For: Helping the US women's gymnastics team win its first-ever Olympic gold medal TAGS: Kerri Strug, 1996 Summer Olympics, Gymnastics, Olympic Gold Medal, Comeback Story, Inspirational Athlete, Sports History, Female Athlete, Olympic Vault.