Until very recently, the 1932 Olympics was the only time gymnastics specialists have been allowed to compete in the Olympics. He made the most of the opportunity, winning the gold medal rather easily Bixler eventually moved into all-around competition, but suffered a shoulder injury in 1935. He was advised that it would take two years before he would regain full strength in his shoulder and instead opted to retire from the sport. Bixler went on to a career as a banker and restaurateur and as food supervisor for Disneyland. In 1963 he enrolled at UCLA and gained teacher’s credentials. He went on teach commercial cooking in L.A. City Schools for over a decade. He also remained active in the Olympic Movement, serving as president of the Southern California chapter of the U.S. Olympians, and assisting the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee. His father, John Bixler, was a pioneer aviator and protégé of the Wright Brothers.
United States