We remember Vladimir “Lado” Gogoladze, an Olympic champion, accomplished international gymnast, and longtime coach in Illinois.
Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Lado represented the Soviet Union at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, where his team won gold. Earlier in his career, he earned gold medals on floor exercise and high bar at the 1984 World Youth Championships, and bronze medals in the all-around and parallel bars at the 1985 European Championships. A floor exercise element in the current men’s Code of Points bears his name. www.intlgymnast.com
Lado spent years sharing his knowledge and love of gymnastics with athletes in Illinois, including at Crystal Lake Gymnastics. His legacy lives on through the gymnasts he coached, the confidence he helped build, and the many people whose lives he touched.
Lado passed away on October 3, 2026. Please join us to celebrate his life Sunday, October 18, at 6 p.m. at Crystal Lake Gymnastics, 387 E. Congress Pkwy., Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
For more about Lado’s life and remarkable gymnastics career, please follow the link in the comments.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, athletes, and everyone in the gymnastics community who knew him.