Erna Wachtel (April 3, 1907 – June 1, 1995) was an American artistic gymnast, coach and judge.

Early life

Born in Germany, she immigrated to the United States at the age of 19.

Athletic career

Wachtel won multiple AAU titles, and in 1944 was named an Honorary Olympic Team member for the games that were cancelled due to

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...

Later life

After retiring from competitions served as an AAU functionary, international referee, and national gymnastics coach, preparing the American women's gymnastics team to the

1956 Summer Olympics The 1956 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event held in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, from 22 November to 8 December 1956, with the exception of the equestrian events, whi ...

. From 1957 to 1973, she taught physical education at the

Chicago Park District The Chicago Park District is one of the oldest and the largest park districts in the United States. As of 2016, there are over 600 parks included in the Chicago Park District as well as 27 beaches, several boat harbors, two botanic conservatories ...

. In 1974 she was inducted into the U.S. Gymnastics Hall of Fame.

Personal life

Wachtel never married.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wachtel, Erna 1907 births 1995 deaths 20th-century American sportswomen American female artistic gymnasts American gymnastics coaches German expatriates in the United States