Makoto Sakamoto
MAG Coach and USAG Hall of Fame Instructor
Makoto emerged in the gymnastic world with a style and poise that began a new era of excellence in men's artistic gymnastics. He was unforgettable in 1965 when he won all seven events at the National Amateurs Athletics Union National Championships. Fortunately for all, he continued in the sport as a coach at UCLA during a time when some of his gymnasts became Olympic winners. In his over 40-year professional career he was a multiple champion, both as a athlete and as a coach. He participated in the Los Angeles City High School Championships, AAU National Championships, World University Games, NCAA Championships, World Championships, and the Olympic games. He was inducted in 1986 to the U.S. Gymnastics Hall of Fame. Mako coached at Brigham Young and UCLA. He was the assistant coach to 1984 US gold medal Olympic team in Los Angeles. He was Peter Vidmar's and Tim Daggett's personal coach at UCLA and helped coach Mitch Gaylord. Mitch, Tim and Peter were members of the 1984 gold medal Olympic gymnastics team. He gained a BA degree and a MA degree in teaching English as a second language and education. On his 53rd birthday, Mako performed 163 handstand pushups (in 30 minutes), touching his shoulders on each count, and without coming down from a handstand… a record no one has touched.
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