Russell, Ernestine (1938–)

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Russell, Ernestine (1938–)

Canadian gymnast. Name variations: Ernestine Russell Weaver; Ernie Russell. Born June 10, 1938, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada; m. Jim Weaver (football coach).

Won 9 Canadian championships; as a participant at Melbourne, became Canada's 1st female gymnast to compete in the Olympics (1956); also competed in Rome Olympics (1960); won gold medals for floor exercise, balance beam, vault, uneven bars and overall at Pan American games (1959); became a gymnastics coach and named head coach for US gymnastic team (1977). Awarded Velma Springstead Trophy as the outstanding woman athlete in Canada (1955, 1956, 1957); inducted into Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.

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Russell, Ernestine (1938–)

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