On Thursday, December 19, 2024, Sir John Atkinson passed away after a long illness alongside his loving wife, Vera Marinova, at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, England. It was shocking news that came out that day, as it was felt all over the gymnastics community, who have lost someone with a huge legacy behind him.

Many mourned his passing, as it represented the impact he had in the sport over the years. Indeed, British Gymnastics has seen many legends throughout the years of competition, but Atkinson’s vision contributed to the betterment of the sport not only in the country but throughout the world.

A legend in the world of gymnastics

Sir John Atkinson was more than just a member of British Gymnastics. Throughout his massive coaching career, which saw him as the head coach of the British Men’s Artistic Gymnastics team for 30 years and a national coach for 43 years, he led the British team in three Olympic Games in Moscow (1980), Los Angeles (1984), and Barcelona (1992) and 14 world championships, from Varna in 1974 to Tianjin in 1999.

However, prior to such a magnificent coaching experience, Atkinson was a school PE teacher and gymnastics coach at the Ullathorne School Gym Club. According to the report by Fakti, his name gained a ton of prominence during his time in the sport, eventually earning him the status of a man with natural leadership qualities. Such qualities attracted many young coaches and gymnasts to him, who appreciated his vision for advancing in the sport.

Atkinson’s recognition in the sport led to his appointment as the national coach in 1975 and as the technical director in 1984. Furthermore, his antics made him reach bigger heights in his career than just coaching gymnasts. From 1989 to 1993, Atkinson served as the president of the British Institute of Sports Coaches and then became the chairman of the British Olympic Association’s Coaches Advisory and Management Committee. During his career, he also served as a founding member of the International Federation of Sports Acrobatics, an executive committee member of the International Gymnastics Committee, and the president of the FIG Aerobics Commission.

During this period, he also received his MBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 1989. Eventually, like any other outstanding person in the sport, Atkinson had to retire in 2003. However, his influence in gymnastics earned him various distinctions, including the Honorary Vice President title at the FIG Congress in Helsinki, Finland, on 19 October 2008. The legend enjoyed his life post-retirement and even got a chance to become a torchbearer for the 2012 London Olympics. The worldwide phenomenon had a significant role in many lives, especially those who are thriving under a polished gymnastics scene. As passionate as he was for the sport, the same can be seen in his wife, Vera.

Retired from the sport but never left

Vera Marinova was a fierce competitor during her time on the mat, as she secured two World Championship titles and even an Olympic bronze medal. She competed for the Bulgarian Rhythmic Gymnastics Group and was one of those who belonged to the “Golden Era” of rhythmic gymnastics. Beyond the sport, Marinova concentrated on her media career, becoming an established journalist who spearheaded numerous projects at various major sporting events.

During an interview with the International Gymnast Media in 2020, Marinova imposed a few bold words, stating, “I have retired from British Gymnastics – this doesn’t mean I am bidding farewell to Gymnastics! Don’t be surprised if you see me again here or there in the Gymnastics universe.“ Indeed, her passion for remaining involved in the sport had not diminished. Just like her late husband, she has always been determined to advance the sport by major inputs, and it is something that she would like to carry on, forming a big legacy.