Don Holder obit

Donald Joseph HOLDER Has Died

He was not on the list.

Don Holder started gymnastics at Dickinson High School, and later competed for the Swiss Turners. He competed in both traditional gymnastics and turners competitions. Holder also competed in events other than the standard six gymnastics apparatuses, which included flying rings, rope climb, tumbling, and Indian clubs. His only AAU title came in 1953 when he won the Indian Clubs event. He competed at the 1955 Pan American Games, helping the US win the team all-around title, and winning individual silver medals on the rings, vault, and in Indian club swinging. Holder studied at Florida State, graduating in 1957 with a degree in physical education and a masters’ in education. After graduation he served a stint in the Army, and then the reserves, leaving as a captain. Holder later coached high school gymnastics at Miami Jackson HS (1958-62) and Coral Park HS (1963-79). He was inducted into the US Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1994.

Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, Holder attended William L. Dickinson High School and graduated in 1946. As a gymnast, he was a member of the Swiss Gymnastic Society.

He attended Florida State University, where he was chosen to serve as co-captain of the gymnastics team.

Holder was the second college freshman ever named to an Olympics team when selected for the 1952 Summer Olympics following Bill Roetzheim in 1948.

A Florida State Seminole, Donald Holder was skilled in more events than just the Indian Clubs. In fact, Holder won medals in various events in national, international, and collegiate competitions in events that ranged from rings to the all-around. After collecting medals during the 1950s, Holder coached at the high school level in the Miami area, where he judged local and state events as well.