Dianne Durham established her legendary status when she became the 1st black National Gymnastics Champion at the 1983 US National Championships in Chicago just a short distance from Gary, Indiana where she was born! She was destined to be a member of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Team, but a controversial handling of an injury she sustained during the Olympic Trials crushed her Olympic dream. She went on to perform in professional gymnastics shows, coach, judge and promote gymnastics until her untimely death on January 5, 2021. Revered, and loved throughout the global gymnastics community, she has left a legacy that must be kept alive, and this award will not only help preserve that status, but also help other gymnasts who share her dream. Dianne gave so much to others, and now it’s time we honor her and continue her giving at the same time!!!!
Paul Ziert has asked Tom (Dianne’s Husband) and Dianne’s Sister to be on the Board of Directors for this annual award and it will be given to a gymnast who had faced some adversity and has been able to overcome it.
To help fund this award please donate via the gofundme below.