Marie Walther

Marie Walther started college at Kent State but later transferred to Arizona State University. Graduating in 1970, she received a masters’ degree in physical education from ASU in 1977 and then received an associate’s degree in art from Western Nevada Community College. She won two national AAU titles, winning the all-around in 1964 and balance beam in 1965. She had 10 other podium finishes at the AAUs. Walther won gold medals with the team at the 1963 and 1967 Pan American Games, also winning a bronze in the all-around and vault in 1967. She also competed at the World Championships in 1962 and 1966. Walther later coached gymnastics at Arizona State from 1976-79 and helped start the Desert Devils Gymnastics Club in 1974. She was inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2008.