Sawao Kato
The younger generation might not know Kato, but they should since he won an amazing 12 Olympic medals throughout his career. He was part of the historic men’s gymnastics team from Japan in the late ‘60s and early ’70s. He claimed back-to-back-to-back gold in the team competition (1968-1976), won all-around gold in 1968 and 1972, captured a gold medal for his 1968 floor routine, and took home back-to-back gold in the parallel bar event (1972-1976). Kato is one of only ten athletes who have won at least eight gold medals. His legendary accomplishments have earned him a spot on the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 2001. Kato is now 72 years old and a University of Tsukuba professor emeritus in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
Sawao Kato
Larisa Latynina
With nine gold medals, Larisa Latynina is currently the leader in gymnastics (hey, Simone Biles) and one of the greatest athletes to ever compete at the Olympics. For a staggering 52 years, she held the record for the most individual medals in Olympic history (she captured a total of 14). After Latynina stepped away from competing, she became the coach of the Soviet women’s gymnastics team, who won gold at the 1968, 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games. A pioneer in the sport, the 84-year-old is credited with spearheading the gymnastic prominence of the Soviet Union. Latynina now leads a quiet life near Semyonov in Russia.
Larisa Latynina
