Donald Joseph HOLDER

Don Holder started gymnastics at Dickinson High School, and later competed for the Swiss Turners. He competed in both traditional gymnastics and turners competitions. Holder also competed in events other than the standard six gymnastics apparatuses, which included flying rings, rope climb, tumbling, and Indian clubs. His only AAU title came in 1953 when he won the Indian Clubs event. He competed at the 1955 Pan American Games, helping the US win the team all-around title, and winning individual silver medals on the rings, vault, and in Indian club swinging. Holder studied at Florida State, graduating in 1957 with a degree in physical education and a masters’ in education. After graduation he served a stint in the Army, and then the reserves, leaving as a captain. Holder later coached high school gymnastics at Miami Jackson HS (1958-62) and Coral Park HS (1963-79). He was inducted into the US Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1994.