The Gymnastics Federation of The Bahamas was founded in 2003 as Bahamas Gymnastics, driven by a shared passion for gymnastics and a commitment to excellence. As a non-profit organization, the Federation’s creation was spearheaded by Barbara Thompson, Cora Hepburn, Trevor Ramsey, and Jennifer Roach, with the primary goal of enabling Troy Maillus to represent The Bahamas at the Gymnastics Championships in California. This initial vision quickly materialized, as Maillus made history that same year as the first Bahamian gymnast to compete at the Gymnastics World Championship.

The Federation’s constitution was adopted on May 18, 2003, establishing a formal structure for the organization under the leadership of Thompson. In 2003, Barbara Thompson served as President, Cora Hepburn as Vice President, Jennifer Roach as Treasurer, and Trevor Ramsey as Secretary General. The gymnastics community in The Bahamas was deeply saddened by the passing of Barbara Thompson on March 14, 2018. Leadership was subsequently assumed by Cora Hepburn, which was officially recognized in December 2023. In 2009, the federation was renamed “The Gymnastics Federation of The Bahamas,” and an official constitution was established with two member clubs.

Kianna Dean, Simone Hall, and Toneka Johnson elevated the Federation’s profile by qualifying The Bahamas for the 2015 Pan American Games. In 2015, Simone Hall and Kiana Dean made history yet again as they qualified for the Gymnastics World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

The Federation has continued to evolve, currently encompassing four member clubs, with three located in New Providence and one in Spanish Wells, Eleuthera. Since its inception, The Gymnastics Federation of The Bahamas has come a long way, evolving from its modest origins to become a prominent sports organization. The Federation’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its dedication to nurturing athletes of all levels have firmly established its legacy in Bahamian sports.

Moreover, the Federation remains steadfast in its mission to foster a passion for the sport among athletes, parents, and all Bahamians, with the ultimate goal of producing athletes who proudly represent The Bahamas on the global stage.