Wednesday, 06 May 2026

Flo Hyman

Contest: The US Athletics Hall of Fame - Athletes 2026
Embed from Getty Images
Sport(s): Volleyball
Statistics & Accolades: 1 Olympic Silver Medal (1984)
1 World Championship Bronze Medal (1982)
1 Pan American Silver Medal (1983)
1 Honda Sports Award (1987)
Member of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame
Volleyball is a huge sport in the United States, but it wasn’t always. The towering 6’ 5” frame of Flo Hyman is a big reason why it is.

Hyman was the prominent figure at the forefront of the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team during its ascent to international prominence in the 1970s and 1980s. With a height of 6'5", she was widely recognized as the premier volleyball player globally, renowned for her powerful "flying" spike capable of reaching speeds exceeding 110 mph. Following the disappointment of the boycott of the 1980 Moscow Games, Hyman guided the American team to a historic silver medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, marking the first Olympic medal ever awarded to U.S. women's volleyball.

Following the ’84 Olympics, Hyman testified before Congress to strengthen Title IX and became an advocate for female athletes. She moved to Japan to play professionally. Tragically, her career and life were cut short in 1986 when she collapsed during a match in Japan due to Marfan syndrome, an undiagnosed genetic disorder.

Where would American Volleyball be without Flo Hyman?

We are proud to nominate Flo Hyman for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.

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