Curtis Hibbert facts for kids

Curtis Mayfield Hibbert was born on September 2, 1966. He is a Canadian former gymnast. He was a key member of the Canada men's national artistic gymnastics team. Curtis Hibbert made history as the first Canadian and first person of colour to win medals at the World Championships in gymnastics. He is also known for being the most successful gymnast at a single Commonwealth Games event, winning five gold medals.

Early Life and Training

Curtis Hibbert was born in Kingston, Jamaica. In 1970, when he was four years old, his family moved to Canada. He began his gymnastics journey at age seven, starting his training just three years after arriving in Canada.

A Champion Gymnast

Curtis Hibbert first gained national attention in 1983. He competed in important events like the Canadian Nationals, Canada Winter Games, and Pan Am Games.

World Championship Success

In 1987, Curtis won a silver medal in the high bar event at the World Championships. This big win helped him qualify for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. At the Seoul Olympics, he reached the finals in three different gymnastics events. He also finished 22nd in the all-around competition.

He continued his success at the World Championships. In 1992, he tied for a bronze medal on the vault at the World Gymnastics Championships in Paris. Between 1987 and 1992, Curtis earned two World Championship medals. He also won six Canadian All-Around titles during this time.

Commonwealth Games Star

Curtis Hibbert was the standout performer for Team Canada at the 1990 Commonwealth Games. He won an amazing seven medals at this event. These included five gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. His five gold medals made him the most successful gymnast at a single Commonwealth Games.

He competed for Team Canada again at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. He finished 36th in the all-around competition there. Curtis Hibbert officially retired from competitive gymnastics in 1993.

Life After Gymnastics

After retiring from competitive gymnastics, Curtis Hibbert continued to be involved in the sport. He also started a new career as a stuntman.

Helping Young Gymnasts

Curtis Hibbert opened the Kids Super Gym Club in Erin Mills, Ontario. This club focuses on making gymnastics fun for young athletes. It's a place where kids of all skill levels can enjoy gymnastics without the pressure of competition. Throughout his career, Curtis has also volunteered his time to coach young gymnasts from around the world.

He has given many speeches across Canada. These talks often focus on setting goals and using lessons from the Olympic experience in everyday life. He has visited many schools in Toronto, helping teachers create gymnastics programs and encouraging young people to be active.

A Career in Stunts

In 1995, Curtis Hibbert began working as a stuntman. He became very active in both Canadian and American movies and TV shows. He has performed stunts in many well-known films. Some of these include 16 Blocks, X-Men, Chicago, and Undercover Brother.

Since the mid-2000s, alongside his stunt work, Curtis Hibbert has also worked as a public servant. He works for the government of the City of Toronto, Ontario.

See also

In Spanish: Curtis Hibbert para niños