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PRINT THIS PAGE | E-MAIL THIS PAGE Tuesday, October 20, 1998 Gymnast Brian Babcock dead at 38 in Houston By MARK BABINECK Associated Press Writer HOUSTON (AP) - Brian Babcock, who bounced back to champion status in gymnastics after just missing a spot on the 1984 Olympic team, has died of complications following a bone marrow transplant. He was 38. Babcock, who earlier this year learned he had a leukemia-like cancer before he even felt sick, received a bone marrow transplant on Aug. 14. Though doctors told him he had a 50-50 chance to live, the gymnast remained optimistic. "After experiencing nine different surgeries to stay at an elite level in gymnastics, I'd have to say it was great grounds to be prepared for what I'm going through now," he said in an interview with The Associated Press after his transplant. Babcock died at his Houston area home with family at his side. He suffered from myelodysplasia, which hampers the body's ability to produce blood and fight infection. He compared his fight for life to his battle to recover from his third knee operation before vying for a spot on the gold medal-winning gymnastics team at the Los Angeles Olympics. Even hobbled, he barely missed the cut. He came back to win the national all-around title the following year. "The entire gymnastics community is deeply saddened by Brian's passing," said Bob Colarossi, president of USA Gymnastics. "He possessed unparalleled energy and excitement for the sport of gymnastics, which was reflected in his performance as an athlete and as a coach." Babcock, born in Garden City, Kan., starred at Southern Illinois. He earned medals at the NCAA championships and the Pan American Games before his 1985 title. Babcock has remained active in gymnastics as a coach, moving recently from Pennsylvania to Houston, where he opened the Texas Sports Ranch along with fellow coach Kevin Mazeika. Among the pupils is 2000 Olympic hopeful Sean Townsend. Funeral services were set for 4 p.m. Thursday at the Abundant Life Church in Clear Lake City. Babcock is survived by his wife, Tammy, their daughter Jessica, 2, and his stepdaughter Kristin, 16. Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below: texnews.com Reporter OnLine Local Sports Texas Sports Copyright ©1998, Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below:

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