University of Georgia Athletics
Gym Dogs Unveil New Bronze Statue
September 04, 2007 | Gymnastics
ATHENS, Ga. --- Along with the Suzanne Yoculan Gymnastics Center in the Coliseum Training Facility, the Gym Dogs also unveiled a new bronze statue that depicts the development of a gymnast from the time she enters college until the time she graduates. It shows the immaturity of the gymnast through rough edges of the bronze technique, all the way to the mature gymnast with polished edges and finish.
The statue was completed by Jim Stephenson, co-head coach of the University of Minnesota gymnastics team. It is called the “Suzanne Yoculan No Dream Too Big Award,” and the honor will be given each year to the gymnast who best fulfills her personal academic and athletic dreams.
“It is important to recognize a gymnast for meeting her goals both academically and athletically," Georgia head coach Suzanne Yoculan said. "Part of success is being well-rounded, and we want to recognize the gymnast who dreams big in all aspects of her life and then goes out and achieves what she set out to accomplish.”
Stephenson completed another life-sized gymnastics sculpture on the Oregon State University campus and many pieces in private collections. Along with gymnastics sculptures, he creates a wide range of figurative pieces expressing the beauty of the human form. His expertise in biomechanics helps make his sculptures true to life and physical movement.
He was the technical illustrator for USAG and the FIG for over 25 years and also has worked for many other sports NGBs including US Diving, US Rowing, Cheer leading, and Special Olympics International. He was the illustrator for the book “Biomechanics of Women's Gymnastics” written by Gerald S. George.
On the sculpture he did for the Gym Dogs, Stephenson said, “This piece represents the dynamic majesty of gymnastics and the transformation of how a young woman first arriving to participate in the University of Georgia women's gymnastics program will develop through all of her experiences into a more polished, confident and mature athlete, competitor and person.”
Added Yoculan: “It’s a beautiful portrayal of how a gymnast transforms throughout her college career. She may come in a little unsure of herself and her ablities, but she leaves as a strong confident individual. This statue depicts that and pays tribute to that personal growth.”
"On behalf of all the coaches and Georgia gymnasts, I want to thank Jim for creating such a masterpiece for our new facility. The final result is a piece of art we can all be proud of. It is beyond our expectations"
