World gymnastics has lost one of its brightest figures. After a long illness at the "Princess Royal" hospital in Telford, John Atkinson - a pioneer and legend in British gymnastics - passed away. Until his last breath, his wife - the two-time world champion with the Bulgarian rhythmic gymnastics ensemble Vera Marinova - was by his side.
The British Gymnastics Federation issued a special statement highlighting Atkinson's immeasurable contribution to the development of this sport on a global scale.
A remarkable career
For three decades, John Atkinson has been the head coach of the British national men's rhythmic gymnastics team. Under his leadership, the team participated in three Olympic Games - Moscow (1980), Los Angeles (1984) and Barcelona (1992). Atkinson led British gymnasts to 14 world championships, from the 1974 Varna Championships to the 1999 Tianjin Championships. He also competed in nine European Championships from Essen 1979 to Prague 1994.
International recognition
From 1989 to 1993, Atkinson was President of the British Institute of Sports Coaches. He then became Chairman of the British Olympic Association's Coaches Advisory and Management Committee, a position he held until 2000.
Among his most significant achievements was the founding of the International Federation of Acrobatic Sports. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation and President of its Aerobics Commission.
In 1989, Queen Elizabeth II awarded him the title of Member of the British Empire for his outstanding services to sport and the coaching profession. In 2012, Atkinson was among the torchbearers at the London Olympic Games.
"Many people have contributed to the unprecedented success and status of British gymnastics, but the vision and drive of John Atkinson, more than any other person, have guided us to today's successes. His desire to share the joy of gymnastics and bring the sport back to the world stage was his global mission," said the British Gymnastics Federation in a statement.