Kurt Vincent Thomas (born October 4 1972, in Dallas, Texas) is an American professional basketball player with the National Basketball Association's (NBA) San Antonio Spurs. Thomas is a 6'9", 235 lb. power forward/center known for his hard-nosed playing style and tough defense. After graduating from Dallas' Hillcrest High School, he graduated from Texas Christian University, where he led the NCAA Division I in scoring and rebounding, becoming only the third player in history to accomplish this feat. A natural power forward, he spent most of his career playing the center position with the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns. Despite being undersized at that position, he is renowned for his ability to grab rebounds, and for his consistent mid-range jumpshot. He has gained a reputation as a smart player who does not commit many mistakes.
On July 20 2007, Thomas, along with the Suns' first-round draft choices in 2008 and 2010 was traded by the Suns to the Seattle SuperSonics in exchange for a conditional second-round draft choice and an $8 million trade exception.
Thomas was traded by the Sonics to the San Antonio Spurs on February 20 2008, for Francisco Elson, Brent Barry, and a 2009 first round draft pick.
Kurt Bilteaux Thomas (born March 29, 1956 in Miami, Florida) is an American Olympic gymnast.
While at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana, Thomas became a member of the US Olympic team at the 1976 Summer Olympics. In 1978, Thomas was the first American male gymnast to win a gold medal in floor exercise in a world championship. In 1979 he became the first gymnast to receive the James E. Sullivan Award for the best amateur athlete in the US and earned two gold medals and three silver medals in international competition. He was expected by many to win a gold medal at the 1980 Summer Olympics, but the games were boycotted by the United States government. A gymnastic move, the "Thomas flare," is named for him, although it was originally created by L.J. Larson at Arizona State University.
Thomas starred in the 1985 film Gymkata as an athlete sent by the US Government to compete in a deadly competition called "The Game." The movie is still remembered as a notorious flop. It has developed a minor cult following as an unintentional comedy for its poor production quality and low budget. Thomas also was a host for the television show That's Incredible, starred in the syndicated show True Confessions, and has worked as a commentator for ESPN.
In 1996, Thomas married Rebecca Jones, a dancer who also choreographs gymnastic routines. They have 2 children together.
In 2003 Thomas was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. He and his wife currently operate the Kurt Thomas Gymnastics Training Center in Frisco, Texas. His gym has hosted the USAG-sanctioned Kurt Thomas International Invitational gymnastics meet annually since 2003.
