Jean Jarrell
Gymnastics Builder - Inducted 2001
The name Jean Jarrell is synonymous with gymnastics, and the development of the sport is a result of her hard work and expertise. After receiving her degrees from Washington State University and the University of Oregon, followed by a brief stint teaching in Oregon, Jean Jarrell returned to Alberta and immediately made an impact on Alberta's sporting community. In 1969, Jean Jarrell helped found the Mount Royal Gymnastics Club and a few years later, was a founding member of the Alberta Gymnastics Federation.
Jean Jarrell has been involved in all levels of gymnastics, from head coach to a Board of Director, but has really excelled as an international level judge. Jean has judged over 100 invitational and provincial level competitions including provincial championships and provincial team selection meet. In addition to her provincial contributions, Jean Jarrell has traveled across Canada and the world as one of Canada's top judges. Nationally, Jean has been a judge at 17 National Gymnastics Championships and two Canada Games competitions, as well as officiating at the 1978 and 1994 Commonwealth Games and the 1999 Pan American Games - all held in Canada. Internationally, Jean has been involved as a coach and/or judge since 1974, when she coached the Canadian Gymnastics Team at an international meet in Bulgaria.
The highlight of Jean's judging career was representing Canada as a judge at the 1995 Pan American Games in Argentina. Jean Jarrell’s outstanding accomplishments in gymnastics have also resulted in her being a life member of both the Mount Royal Gymnastics Club and Gymnastics Canada Gymnastique.
