In honor of the men’s annual Winter Cup Challenge taking place this weekend in Las Vegas our gymnast of the week is Blaine Wilson, who holds the most all around wins for the competition.

Beginning gymnastics at a young age, Wilson excelled quickly and competed for the Ohio State Buckeyes while also competing in national and international competitions. Wilson competed in the Winter Cup and won the all around title in 1998, 1999, 2001, and 2004. In 1998, at his first appearance in the Winter Cup Challenge Wilson swept the board winning not only the all around title, but gold medals on all 6 individual events. Wilson not only dominated the Winter Cup, but between 1996 and 2000 he won the all around title at Visa National Championships. He became the first male gymnast to win five consecutive USA Gymnastics national titles.

Wilson was also a member of the 1996 and 2000 Olympic teams. His first international medal did not come until 2003 when he helped the men’s team win the silver at World’s Championships in California. Just months after the 2004 Visa Championships, Wilson tore his left bicep tendon and vowed to return to the gymnastics scene for the 2004 Olympics, where he helped the men’s team win the silver medal.

While competing for the Ohio State Buckeyes he lead them to 3 Big Ten Championships in 1994, 1996, and 1997 and the university’s second national championship in 1996. Wilson started coaching for the Buckeyes in 2009 and as of November 2010 was named the Interim Co-Head Coach. He currently resides in Columbus, Ohio with his wife, former rhythmic gymnast Aliane Baquerot, his daughter Wakaya, and their son Jackson.

Look for Blaine Wilson and the Buckeyes this weekend at the Winter Cup where they have seven gymnasts competing, including Brandon Wynn, a 2010 World Team Member.

Here is a look at Blaine Wilson's still ring rountine from the 2000 Olympic Games


Check out our coverage page of the Winter Cup for more deatils!
Winter Cup Coverage