Blaine Wilson
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Olympic medal record | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Men's Artistic Gymnastics | |||
| Silver | Athens 2004 | Team competition | |
Blaine Carew Wilson (born August 3, 1974) is an American gymnast from Columbus, Ohio.
Wilson won his first World Championships medal at the 2003 Worlds when he helped the team to a silver-medal finish. Months later, at the 2004 Visa American Cup, Wilson tore his left biceps tendon, and vowed to return for the 2004 Olympic Games. His hard work and determination earned him a spot on the men's Olympic Team, and in Athens the team battled for a silver medal victory.
Blaine is the first man to win five consecutive national titles since USA Gymnastics was named the sport's National Governing Body, and the third man to win five consecutive U.S. all-around titles (or more) in gymnastics history.
He comes from a sports-minded family and is named after baseball great Rod Carew and former Dallas Cowboys guard Blaine Nye. Wilson 's father started him in gymnastics at age four because he was so energetic. Wilson was a member of the 2000 and 1996 Olympic Team. Both teams placed fifth, the strongest Olympic Team showing since 1984. Wilson also finished fourth at the 1999 World Championships. He won his first national title at the 1996 Coca-Cola National Championships. In 1995, at his first World Championships competition, he was the highest U.S. all-around finisher (25th). He has completed his eligibility at Ohio State University, winning the Jesse Owens Award in 1997, presented by the Big Ten Conference to recognize its outstanding male athlete.
Wilson married professional volleyball player Makare Desilets on March 28, 2001, whom he met at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado They celebrated the birth of their first living child, a daughter, Wakaya, on Oct. 4, 2002, after suffering the loss of a son. As of September 2006 Blaine and Makare are separated and in the process of divorce.
Wilson also enjoys golf, soccer and biking.
