Ernestine Russell-Carter

Ernestine Russell’s dream was to become a ballerina, but she never developed the long lines necessary for that sport. It was suggested that she try the trampoline and it led to her love of gymnastics. In 1956 she became the first female gymnast to represent Canada at the Olympics. She competed at the 1959 Pan American Games, winning gold in all-around, floor, uneven bars, and vault as well as silver in beam and with the team, and also at the 1960 Olympics. Russell graduated from Michigan State University and then taught high school briefly before beginning a career as a gymnastics coach.