Dick Beckner

Dick Beckner
Full nameRichard Andrew Beckner
Born(1927-11-24)November 24, 1927
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
DiedSeptember 9, 1997(1997-09-09) (aged 69)
Lake Elsinore, California, U.S.
Height5 ft 7 in (170 cm)[1]
RelativesJack Beckner (brother)
Gymnastics career
DisciplineMen's artistic gymnastics
Country
represented
United States
College team
Club
Retired1958
Medal record
Men's artistic gymnastics
Representing  United States
Event 1st 2nd 3rd
Pan American Games 3 0 0
Total 3 0 0
Pan American Games
1955 Mexico City Team
1955 Mexico City Rings
1955 Mexico City Parallel bars

Richard Andrew Beckner (November 24, 1927 – September 9, 1997) was an American gymnast. He was a member of the United States men's national artistic gymnastics team and competed in eight events at the 1956 Summer Olympics.[2]

As a gymnast, Beckner was a member of the Los Angeles Turners Club.[3] His brother, Jack Beckner, was a teammate on the 1956 USA Olympic gymnastics team.[3]

He attended Franklin High School and graduated in 1945.[4] He competed for the high school's gymnastics team under coach Tony Spangler.[5]

He retired from gymnastics in 1958.[4] He later coached gymnastics at El Modena High School.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Teaford, Elliott (July 26, 1985). "Who Needs Charles Atlas?". Los Angeles Times. Vol. CIV, no. 235. p. 18. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  2. ^ Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Dick Beckner Olympic Results". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on April 18, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
  3. ^ a b "Mother of Two Gains Olympic Gym Berth". The Philadelphia Inquirer. April 29, 1956. p. S9. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Saffell, Mike (May 8, 1958). "Beckner brothers ready for Nat'l AAU championship gymnastics meet". Highland Park News-Herald & Journal. Vol. 53, no. 31. p. 12. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  5. ^ "Gym Team Wins Title". Highland Park News-Herald & Journal. Vol. XL, no. 36. May 4, 1945. p. 1. Retrieved June 20, 2025.