Olympian gymnast, actress, and motivational speaker Cathy Rigby captured the hearts of millions and popularized the sport of gymnastics in the United States during the 1960s and early 1970s. With her youthful all-American pig-tailed beauty and remarkable athletic skill, Cathy Rigby became the first American woman to win a medal in the World Gymnastics competition at 15 years-old and went on to perform in the 1968 Summer Olympics at Mexico City, earning the highest US gymnastic scores, and the 1972 Games in Munich, becoming the first American woman ever to medal. Following her retirement from gymnastics, Cathy Rigby turned to the stage and screen. Debuting in the role of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, she has since appeared on numerous television programs, and starred in such plays as Meet Me In St. Louis, South Pacific, Seussical the Musical, and, of course, Peter Pan. As Peter, Rigby was nominated for a Tony Award and set box-office records when she came to Broadway with the show in ’91. Currently, Rigby is co-producer for La Mirada Theatre in southern California. All of these successes did not come without challenges. As a 15-year-old gymnast, Cathy Rigby fought performance pressures from coaches, became anorexic and bulimic, nearly died, and was hospitalized twice before conquering her afflictions. Today, Rigby is a prominent healthcare and motivational speaker, sharing her moving account of her youthful drive to maintain an air of excellence, the path that brought her so close to death, and her tireless journey for the gold. Balancing Wellness -Not only is Cathy Rigby an actress and Olympian athlete, but she is a popular healthcare speaker for both college and corporate audiences discussing the importance of conscientious nutrition and the benefits of balancing wellness." Rigby takes audiences back to her youthful days as a gymnast and shares her struggle with bulimia and anorexia, covering the warning signs, the risk factors, and the road to recovery. Going for the Gold -All of life's champions find themselves "going for the gold." Motivational speaker Cathy Rigby serves as an inspiration to professional women in all walks of life. The former gymnast and gold medalist is a symbol of strength, hard work and perseverance. Rigby embodies the competitive spirit and her story inspires all to reach their own personal "gold." She is a true believer in using adversity as a stepping stone to opportunity. Audiences come away feeling that they too can conquer anything after hearing of the obstacles and ensuing achievements of Cathy Rigby. "Going for the Gold" has been Rigby’s life, and has made her dreams a reality. "
