List of Famous Male Gymnasts

Gymnastics began as a specialized form of military training before it evolved into the popular Olympic event it is today. It is an activity that requires a wide range of physical and mental abilities, from strength to stamina, and while most people think of female competitors when they think of gymnastics, the sport is comprised of many talented and accomplished male athletes as well.  

Paul Hamm

Arguably one of the best male gymnasts in the world, Paul Hamm is an American athlete from Wisconsin.  He is a three-time United States national champion and became the first male from America to capture the world all-around title in 2003.  The very next year, Hamm became the first American male to win the all-around gold in gymnastics at the Athens Olympic Games.

Sawao Kato

An incredibly talented gymnast from Japan, Kato has participated in three Olympic Games, where he brought home a total of eight gold medals.  His 12 overall Olympic titles make Sawao Kato one of the most successful male gymnasts and Japan's top Olympian, accomplishments that earned him a place in the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. 

Nikolai Andrianov

A Russian prodigy, Andrianov began training at Burevestnik's sports society when he was just 11 years old.  He won his first gold medal at the 1972 Olympics and went on to earn 15 medals, a record for male athletes that he held until 2008.  His seven gold medals and numerous other international titles make Andrianov one of the most decorated male athletes of all time.

Dmitry Vladimirovich Bilozerchev 

Dmitry Bilozerchev, another infamous gymnast from Russia, was launched into stardom back in his home country when, in 1983, he became the youngest world champion at the age of 16. He went on to win five Olympic gold medals the very next year.  When he was 18, a devastating car accident left him in such bad shape that his doctors considered amputating his left leg.  Instead, Dmitry spent nearly two years recovering and committing to intensive physical therapy, which allowed him to return to the sport he loved.  In 1988, he competed in his first legitimate Olympic Games and took home three gold medals.