Olympic Gold Medalist Opens Gyms for Kids with Autism

Thirty years after winning Olympic gold, Amanda Borden is still helping kids reach new heights, but now the victories look different.

Borden was just 19 when she captained the U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team to America's first-ever team gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The "Magnificent Seven" became legends overnight, with fans chanting "USA" as they stepped onto the floor at the Georgia Dome.

Today, Borden owns Gold Medal Gymnastics, with locations in Tempe and Chandler, Arizona. She's married, a mom of three, and training the next generation of gymnasts, but her mission goes far beyond medals.

Nine-year-old Aaro Houck beams as he conquers the Ninja course at the Chandler gym. He rings the bell at the top of the climbing wall, something that took him a year and a half to achieve. "It's super fun!" he says between high-fives.

Aaro is on the autism spectrum and has ADHD. His mom Heather says they didn't always feel welcome at other gyms. "This place has been amazing," she says, holding back tears.

Sunny's Take

Gold Medal Gymnastics offers something truly special: the S.T.A.R. Program, which stands for Success through Adaptive Recreation. Kids work with certified instructors in one-on-one or small group settings, building balance, core strength, and social skills.

"Every kid should have that opportunity, regardless of what their circumstances are," Amanda explains. For her, watching a nervous child complete a new obstacle and walk out feeling confident matters just as much as any Olympic moment.

Heather says all three of her children have grown tremendously. They're learning to communicate, work with others, and understand how their bodies move in space. These aren't just gym skills but life lessons they carry beyond the mats.

The Chandler gym features a giant wall showcasing Amanda's Olympic journey, serving as inspiration for young athletes. But the real highlight reel plays out every day on the floor, where kids of all abilities discover what they're capable of.

"By providing all those different avenues and meeting different needs, every kid is getting the opportunity to try something they love," Amanda says. The gyms offer gymnastics, dance, and Ninja courses at all levels.

For Aaro and countless other kids, doors are opening instead of closing, and tiny victories today are building toward huge milestones tomorrow.