In over twenty years, Elfriede Goermann’s contribution to the sport of gymnastics includes the development of gymnastics programs for hundreds of youngsters in our community, training of top calibre gymnasts, and initiating the building of a modern permanent training facility in order to keep quality gymnasts in Manitoba.

Goermann coached many local gymnasts to international recognition including her daughter Monica who won three Gold Medals at the 1979 Pan Am Games, Bonnie Wittmeier who was both a Canadian Senior and Junior Champion, and 1983 Western Canada Games champion Kathleen Finnegan. Not only did Goermann coach many of her own gymnasts to prominence at a national and international level, but in doing so she achieved this status herself. In 1977, she was assigned to coach the Canadian National team at various international meets including the 1980 Olympic Women’s Gymnastic team (which she was unable to attend due to Canada’s boycott) and Assistant Coach of the 1984 Women’s team in Los Angeles.

Goermann was a key figure in the formation of the Winnipeg Gymnastics Centre in 1977. With her desire to keep local elite gymnasts from having to go elsewhere to train, she felt the centre was essential. She was the initial head coach and program director. Goermann was also involved with the judging of the sport. From 1974 to 1980 she was assigned many international judging competitions including the 1976 Montreal Olympics. She received international recognition as a Brevet judge of women’s gymnastics, the highest honour in international judging. She was also awarded a Life Membership by the Canadian Gymnastics Federation in 1987 for her tireless devotion to the sport. The countless hours she committed to the sport will never be forgotten as she is an integral part of Manitoba’s Gymnastic history.