Richard E. (Rick) Kinsman
This agile athlete was an amateur star of the 1960s and pro entertainer of the 70s in gymnastics and trampoline. As a student of PCVS and member of the YMCA, Rick won numerous gymnastic and diving competitions before joining the RCAF in 1962.
From 1963 through 1968, he earned numerous awards and honours, including 1963 – Canadian Senior Men’s Champ in free calisthenics, runner-up in Canadian gymnastics; 1964 – Canadian Trampoline Champ, a title he retained six years; 1965 – eighth overall in World Trampoline Championships, World Champion in Synchronized Trampoline; 1966 – competed in World Gymnastics finals; 1967 – competed in Pan-Am Games, placing fifth; 1968 – member of the Canadian Olympic team.
As a pro he toured Canada, then formed his own troupe which played everywhere. He was selected to perform for the Queen during her 1973 tour. In the mid-70s, he toured with the Harlem Globetrotters. An accident (broken neck) during practice ended his career. He died in 2014.
Year Inducted:
1983
Status:
Deceased
This agile athlete was an amateur star of the 1960s and pro entertainer of the 70s in gymnastics and trampoline. As a student of PCVS and member of the YMCA, Rick won numerous gymnastic and diving competitions before joining the RCAF in 1962.
From 1963 through 1968, he earned numerous awards and honours, including 1963 – Canadian Senior Men’s Champ in free calisthenics, runner-up in Canadian gymnastics; 1964 – Canadian Trampoline Champ, a title he retained six years; 1965 – eighth overall in World Trampoline Championships, World Champion in Synchronized Trampoline; 1966 – competed in World Gymnastics finals; 1967 – competed in Pan-Am Games, placing fifth; 1968 – member of the Canadian Olympic team.
As a pro he toured Canada, then formed his own troupe which played everywhere. He was selected to perform for the Queen during her 1973 tour. In the mid-70s, he toured with the Harlem Globetrotters. An accident (broken neck) during practice ended his career. He died in 2014.