Neil Godbey - - World Acrobatics Society 2022 Tumbling/Trampoline Legend

In 1970, Neil Godbey began teaching gymnastics at a YMCA in Toledo, Ohio. He eventually opened his own gymnastics club in 1972 called Gymworld, with a sole purpose to create a national trampoline and tumbling program and team. Two years later, Gymworld hosted the 1974 National USTA (United States Trampoline & Tumbling) Championships. From 1972 to 1980, Godbey’s coaching produced 57 individual Senior National and Age Group National Champions as well as the 1976 and 1978 FIT (Federation International Trampoline) World Tumbling Champions.

Godbey founded The Gymworld Summer International Training (1974 – 1978), with participation from competitors from around the world. Notable athletes attending included Kevin Ekberg, Steve Elliott, Jim Bertz, Eddie Goodman, Liza Podigal, Lori Davidson-Aamodt, Kevin McKee, Mark Gilliam, and Robbie Bollinger.

Entering the international arena, Godbey was the first U.S. coach to obtain the International Certificate to judge sport acrobatic tumbling; judging in the Moscow International Sports Acrobatic Federation (IFSA) Championships from 1975 to 1978. He was selected USA team coach for the 1975 IFSA World Championships, Moscow, Russia, and head coach of the USA Senior Tumbling Team at the 1976 FIT World Championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where his athletes medaled: Jim Bertz, Gold; Eddie Goodman, Silver; and Kevin McKee, Bronze. He traveled to South Africa as coach of the USA team to compete in three competitions and locations in trampoline, tumbling, and double mini-tramp. In 1977, Godbey received the James Rozanas Coach of the Year award.

Neil Godbey retired from coaching in 1981 and is now President / CEO of The Godbey Group and Chairman/CEO of the Advanced Plan for Health, located in Irving, Texas.

Established in 1996, the World Acrobatics Society (WAS) is an exciting, growing worldwide not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization whose members share a love of acrobatics. The mission is to advance the education, communication, and cooperation among all individuals and organizations interested in fostering the growth, development, and safety of the various acrobatic disciplines along with preserving their histories.

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