Wendy Hillard
Pioneer
First American Black athlete to represent the USA internatioanlly, First Black President of the Womens Sports Foundation
The first Black athlete to represent the USA internationally in rhythmic gymnastics.and she remained on the Rhythmic Gymnastics National Team a record-setting nine times, serving twice as National Team Captain.She was a four-time U.S. National Team Coach and coached 1996 Olympian Aliane Baquerot Wilson. She served as the first African-American President of the Women’s Sports Foundation from 1995 to 1996. She also spent time as a performer on Broadway and was an Olympic sports commentator.She is a Master of Sport, an honor for developing an Olympic athlete. In 2008, Wendy was inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame.In 2011, Wendy was awarded the Rings of Gold from the U.S. Olympic Committee for her work helping children develop their Olympic dreams. She was the athlete representative for gymnastics to the U.S. Olympic Committee and served on the executive committee of USA Gymnastics for over ten years.. In 2006, she designed, programmed, and directed the Gymnastics and Rock Climbing Center for Aviator Sports and Recreation, a multimillion-dollar, multi-sport complex in Brooklyn, New York.Wendy currently serves on the board of the Armory Foundation as well as the advisory boards of Power Play NYC and Black Women in Sports. She was a founding member of the Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation, Women in Sports and Events (WISE), and Antigravity, an international performance company
Bio
Early Life and Education: Wendy Hilliard was born in Detroit, Michigan, and from an early age, she displayed a natural talent and passion for gymnastics. Growing up in Detroit, she navigated her path through the sport with determination and dedication..
Career Highlights: Wendy Hilliard made history as the first African-American rhythmic gymnast to compete as a member of the U.S. national team. Her groundbreaking achievements include being the first African-American to represent the United States in rhythmic gymnastics in international competitions, including three World Championships in 1979, 1981, and 1983.
Throughout her career, Hilliard demonstrated excellence and perseverance, inspiring generations of athletes. She coached 1996 Olympian Aliane Baquerot Wilson, further contributing to the advancement of gymnastics in the United States.
Foundation and Cause: In 1996, Wendy Hilliard founded the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation with a mission to provide free and low-cost gymnastics programs for urban youth in New York City. Over the years, the foundation has impacted the lives of over 15,000 young individuals, offering them opportunities to develop skills, confidence, and discipline through gymnastics.
Expanding her reach and impact, Hilliard extended her gymnastics programs to Detroit in the fall of 2016. These programs continue to serve over 200 youth weekly through after-school classes, enriching the lives of young Detroiters and empowering them through sport.
Wendy Hilliard’s impact and legacy transcend the realm of gymnastics, leaving a lasting imprint on sports, education, and community empowerment.
Diversity and Inclusion in Sports:
As the first African-American rhythmic gymnast to represent the United States on the international stage, Hilliard broke down racial barriers in a sport historically dominated by athletes of a different demographic. Her pioneering achievements opened doors for diverse representation in gymnastics and inspired countless young athletes of color to pursue their dreams in the sport.
Empowering Urban Youth:
Through the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation, Wendy has transformed the lives of over 15,000 urban youth in New York City and Detroit. By providing free and low-cost gymnastics programs, she has offered these young individuals opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and self-confidence. Her dedication to creating access and equity in sports has empowered generations of underprivileged youth to thrive both on and off the gymnastics mat.
Advocacy and Leadership:
As the first African-American President of the Women’s Sports Foundation, Hilliard advocated for gender equality and diversity in sports leadership positions. Her leadership paved the way for increased representation of women and minorities in sports governance and administration, fostering a more inclusive and equitable sports landscape.
Inspiration and Mentorship:
Throughout her career as an athlete, coach, and advocate, Wendy Hilliard has served as a beacon of inspiration and mentorship for countless individuals. Her resilience, determination, and commitment to excellence have motivated aspiring athletes to pursue their goals with passion and perseverance. Through her mentorship and guidance, she continues to uplift and empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers in sports and beyond.
In summary, Wendy Hilliard’s impact and legacy are defined by her trailblazing achievements, her dedication to empowering underserved communities, her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in sports, and her role as a mentor and inspiration to aspiring athletes. Her contributions have not only transformed the landscape of gymnastics but have also made a profound and enduring impact on the lives of individuals and communities across the country