Dianne Durham, the first Black woman to win a USA Gymnastics national championship, died Thursday, USA Gymnastics announced. She was 52.
Durham’s husband, Tom Drahozal, told the Associated Press she died of a short illness.
Durham made history in 1983 with her domination of the U.S. nationals. At only 14 years old, Durham captured not only the all-around title, but also the gold medal in the balance beam, floor exercise and vault, plus a silver in the uneven bars.
“We are heartbroken to learn of Dianne’s passing,” said USA Gymnastics CEO Li Li Leung.