Detroit’s Little-Known Role in USA Women’s Gymnastics

In 1975, Zina, then 32, and Vladimir Mironov, then 35, both Jewish Olympic-level coaches, fled the Soviet Union; they eventually landed in Oak Park. Neither imagined the historic impact they would have on gymnastics in the United States.  Nor could they predict that training Wendy Hilliard, a student at Detroit’s Cass Technical High School, would help her become the first African American on the USA National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team. Wendy, 55, of Harlem, N.Y., achieved many honors since high school, including her 2008 induction into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame. Detroiters are already noticing the foundation’s work. U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence sent a Spirit of Detroit Award to Wendy, congratulating her for the “first affordable gymnastics program in Detroit.” Not counting, that is, the one that changed her life 40 years ago.