Raymond "Ben" Bass

Class of 1959
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Lifespan: 1910-1997

A member of the US Gymnastics Hall of Fame’s inaugural class, Raymond “Ben” Bass holds the world record in the eight-meter rope climb, which he set at the 1932 Olympic Games. The World War II hero’s time of 6.7 seconds was the final gold medal ever given in the event because the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) chose to discontinue the event following the Los Angeles Games.  A graduate of the Naval Academy, he achieved the rank of admiral and earned two Navy Crosses and two Legion of Merit Awards before retiring from the Navy in 1959.

Bass, Raymond “Ben” | The Legacy of USA Gymnastics

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A member of the US Gymnastics Hall of Fame’s inaugural class, Raymond “Ben” Bass holds the world record in the eight-meter rope climb, which he set at the 1932 Olympic Games. The World War II hero’s time of 6.7 seconds was the final gold medal ever given in the event because the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) chose to discontinue the event following the Los Angeles Games.  A graduate of the Naval Academy, he achieved the rank of admiral and earned two Navy Crosses and two Legion of Merit Awards before retiring from the Navy in 1959.