Thompson was one of the world's best tumblers during his era...the first Cal gymnast to win an individual NCAA title when he placed first in the NCAA tumbling competition in both 1948 and '49...Thompson also captured the Southern Pacific Division tumbling title in '48 and '49, won the NAAU Championship in 1947 and finished second in both '48 and '49 (that competition was open to competitors worldwide and the victors were declared world champions).