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INDIANAPOLIS -- Olympic gold medalist Peter Vidmar was elected chairman of the USA Gymnastics board of directors Monday, and will be joined in the group by 1984 all-around champion Mary Lou Retton. Vidmar and Retton, elected to one of four public sector positions on the board, each will serve four-year terms. Ron Froelich, chair of USA Gymnastics, was named chairman emeritus. "This is a great time to assist USA Gymnastics in continuing to move in a positive direction," Vidmar said. "Our athletes and coaches have done a remarkable job of succeeding on a consistent basis and I look forward to this opportunity." Vidmar helped the U.S. men win the gold medal at the Los Angeles Games, their only Olympic team gold so far, and also won a gold on pommel horse and a silver in the all-around. He previously served on the USA Gymnastics board and executive committee, and was chair of the Athletes Advisory Council. He is currently the vice chair of the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. "Peter's experience as a gymnast at every level and as a successful business person provides a strong combination for the chairman for USA Gymnastics," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. "He understands every facet of the sport, and is a recognized leader within the gymnastics community." USA Gymnastics announced in November 2007 that it was restructuring its board, paring the group from 48 members to 20. In addition to the chairman, the board now has two representatives each from the men's and women's programs; one each from rhythmic gymnastics; trampoline and tumbling; and acrobatics; five athlete representatives; four members from the public sector; and three from an advisory council that represents independent gymnastics organizations.
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